The Netherlands Brain Initiative
The Netherlands Brain Initiative (Nationaal Plan Hoofdzaken, NPH) is an important initiative aimed at improving brain and psychological health in the Netherlands. This initiative is essential because a significant proportion of the population, approximately one-quarter, suffers from a brain and/or psychological disorder. The limited options for intervention result in adverse effects for the individuals, their environment, and society as a whole.
Therefore, the NPH was developed as a joint effort between the Hersenstichting, MIND, ZonMw, NWO, and Health~Holland. The initiative aims to address brain and psychological disorders by bringing together patients, their families, researchers, healthcare professionals, knowledge institutions, companies, as well as societal and governmental organizations.
Through this collaborative effort, the NPH seeks to make significant steps in improving the lives of those affected by brain and psychological disorders in the Netherlands.
Brain and mental health
The Netherlands Brain Initiative has set forth an ambitious objective of enabling individuals affected by brain and/or mental disorders to live an additional five years in a healthy state by the year 2040. To realize this goal, we are advocating for a national program focused on knowledge and innovation pertaining to brain and mental health, which must be supported by at least a decade of structural and stable funding.
This program will involve bringing together knowledge and data from various fields, including psychiatry, psychology, neurology, and neuroscience, and will prioritize the rapid implementation of improved solutions for patients. By consolidating expertise and advancing the application of evidence-based interventions, we aim to facilitate significant advancements in brain and mental health outcomes for individuals throughout the Netherlands.
Our priorities
The Netherlands Brian Initiative is currently focused on establishing an infrastructure to address several key priorities aimed at preventing, treating, and improving the quality of life of those affected by brain and/or psychological disorders. The patient's needs are the central focus of our efforts, and we strive to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Dutch citizens. Please refer to our complete manifest for more detailed information on our objectives and priorities. This document has subsequently been developed into the outlines of the program.
Realizing solutions for patients
Involving patients in all stages of scientific research related to healthcare practice.
Accelerating the knowledge cycle by promoting entrepreneurship.
Combining knowledge of disorders
Investing in research on cross-cutting similarities in causes, underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and solutions for disorders.
Developing new techniques for precision medicine and personalized lifestyle interventions.
Improving the sharing of knowledge and data
Encouraging collaboration by sharing knowledge, techniques, and data across all levels and disciplines.
Organizing networks and interdisciplinary communication.
Steering Committee The Netherlands Brain Initiative
David Verschoor, director of the Brain Foundation Netherlands
Dienke Bos, director of MIND
Loes van Herten, head of Policy, Advice & Strategy ZonMw
Jasper Reijnders, director of NWA-KIC-NGF NWO together with Jeanet Bruil, head of the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA)
Nico van Meeteren, executive director of the Topsector Life Sciences & Health and professor Erasmus MC
Project Team The Netherlands Brain Initiative
Henriëtte Treurniet, project leader
Amber Berdenis van Belkom, ZonMw
Melanie Neijts, NWO
Cisca Goedhart, MIND
Roos Overdevest and Remco van der Veen, the Brain Foundation Netherlands
Jolande Zijlstra, Health~Holland