Sometimes, things comes together within a short timespan. This morning, I did a radio interview with BNR newsradio (lots of interest in the pilot results of Nominaal=Normaal). As a thank you gift, I received an interesting book by Renee Steenbergen: ” De Nieuwe Mecenas”, on charitable giving for cultural institutions. Just in time reading for this evening, when I may address the charity dinner Argos Oil is hosting for our Erasmus MC Thorax Foundation. Hoping to generate a substantial amount of funds through this fundraiser, I have thrown in a masterclass for female talent (offers received from 1500 euros to avoid embarassment). I do hope this will be a great success. Our researchers deserve it and need it. Have just read the overview produced by the Rathenau Institue on government R&D spending. It appears that all departments are spending less since the 2010 budget was set. Percentage wise, total government r&D spend is being reduced from 0,84% in 2010 to 0,67% of GDP by 2016. Also in absolute terms, direct spend on R&D is decreasing, which means that NL is going down in the international (Eurostat) rankings from a 5th position in 2010 to a mere 12th position by 2016. Only the UK, Belgium and Italy are spending even less.