The conclusions of the evaluation - Both the scientific and societal evaluation committees were very positive about the scientific quality of the CcSP programme. The scientific evaluation committee regarded CcSP as one of the first examples of applied Earth System Science. According to the societal committee, CcSP is the pioneer in setting up and running a large (climate) research programme in the midst of a complex constellation of various organisations and regulations (BSIK subsidy). They recommend using these experiences in the design of future research programmes such as “Kennis voor Klimaat”.

 

Both committees see the Climate proofing approach as a concept with potential for societal innovation. The Hotspot projects were appreciated also and it was recommended to use these type of projects as an (spatial) integration tool. The scientific committee advises to involve more social scientists and experts from spatial planning. The societal committee emphasizes - in the next phase of the programme - that is important to actively start ensuring the integration as well as anchoring its results in society by professional knowledge transfer. Both committees state that the cooperation between projects and themes could be improved. Although stakeholder involvement at programme level seems to be successful, improvements are necessary at project level.

 

First reaction CcSP board and Programme Council - CcSP is very happy with this positive evaluation. In addition, the made recommendations are constructive, useful and will help us to keep the CcSP programme on track in achieving its programme objectives. The Midterm Evaluation was a large effort involving a Midterm Evaluation Report with contributions from over 40 project leaders, a desktop review of the programme by 30 reviewers (national and international), the organization of a two day international conference visited by 400 participants (12-13 September 2007) and work sessions with the evaluation committees on 14 September 2007. Therefore the management would like to thank the committees (members, chairs and the support officer), the reviewers, the project leaders and the programme office for all their efforts during this process.

 

The follow-up – The results of the Midterm Evaluation, including a reply from the CcSP consortium, were sent to SenterNovem on 5 november 2007. The documentation will be evaluated by an expert panel, called “Commissie van Wijzen”, that will advise the Dutch government on the continuation of the CcSP programme, among 32 other BSIK research programmes. This advice will be given in June 2008. In the meantime, CcSP will start to embed the recommendations from the Midterm Evaluation Report.

 

For further information and documentation: Dossier Midterm Review CcSP