New NWA-ORC call: "Cosmic emergence: from abstract simplicity to complex diversity"

What makes emergence so universal or, in other words; what lies at the basis of the observation that emergent phenomena in completely different areas can often be described with the same mathematical constructions? Can the formation of the universe and extreme forms of matter (from exotic astronomical objects to quantum of soft matter and biological materials) be understood based on universal principles for emergent behaviour? Can this possibly lead to the construction of new (biological) materials with useful, sustainable properties?

This proposed theme is unique because it invites a broad collection of scientific and creative talent to engage in a collaborative collective that investigates one of the most fundamental questions in science: how does something arise from (almost) nothing?

These questions relate to the deeply rooted curiosity of humans to understand the world around us. What are space and time, what causes the expanding universe, and how did life on earth evolve? These questions are incredibly fascinating for a wide public, as long as you find and use the right ways to reach them. Besides the purely scientific challenge, there is an important role here for knowledge institutions and societal partners to make the curiosity-driven research into this theme accessible for a broad public and to engage it in this groundbreaking voyage of discovery.

This connects well with the extra attention for more diversity and inclusion in the natural sciences within this NWA route, formulated as one of the game changers in our route and initiated by former quartermaster Ionica Smeets. The proposed theme invites scientists to enter into a strong relationship with the creative and educational sectors. Time and time again, artists have demonstrated that even in the case of complex and difficult subjects – such as climate change – they are able to make a broad public more aware and involved through beauty and visualisations.

Within this NWA route, there are several obvious scientific collaborations for this theme, which will be encouraged to search for creative and/or educational partners so that they, as part of a broad consortium, can jointly strengthen the content, form and public involvement in the project.