NIOO

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is a fundamental and strategic ecological research institute within the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). With more than 200 researchers and students, it is one of the largest institutes in the KNAW network and has been studying ecology in the Netherlands and beyond since 1954.

NIOO focuses on understanding how terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems function and respond to environmental change and human impacts. It positions its work as science that generates practical knowledge for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable use of land and water, while also contributing to ecological research in the Netherlands and sharing knowledge with society.

Core Values

• Biodiversity: Protecting and understanding biodiversity is a central theme of the institute’s work, from genetic diversity to species diversity and ecosystem functioning.
• Climate resilience: NIOO emphasizes research that helps ecosystems cope with climate change, including carbon storage, adaptation, and damage reduction.
• Sustainability: The institute frames its mission around more sustainable use of land and water and around strengthening the sustainability of natural and managed ecosystems.
• Collaboration: Its mission and organizational approach stress cooperation with science, society, and stakeholders, including interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships.
• Inclusiveness and responsibility: NIOO states that it aims to be a collaborative, inclusive, and responsible organization that conducts innovative and impactful research.

Unique Aspects

• Part of KNAW: NIOO is an institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, giving it a national research-institution role within Dutch science.
• Large ecological research base: It has more than 200 researchers and students, around 150 FTE, and produces more than 200 scientific publications per year.
• Long-running history: The institute dates back to 1954, with roots in the older Institute for Ecological Research (IOO).
• Strong applied collaboration network: NIOO hosts or co-develops specialized collaborations such as AKWA for water issues and the Dutch Centre for Avian Migration and Demography for bird-ringing data and nature management applications.
• Dedicated ecological facilities: The institute highlights modern research facilities such as Living Lab and Limnotron, and its own building is presented as a showcase for sustainable ecotechnology.