NWO SHIFT conference – 16 Nov 2026
Dear colleague,
We are delighted to invite you to NWO SHIFT, a new conference organised by NWO in collaboration with the SSH-council. At a time when uncertainty is no longer the exception but the context in which we make decisions, conduct research and shape society, NWO SHIFT provides a space to explore innovative and fair transformations. SHIFT stands for Social Sciences and Humanities for Innovative and Fair Transformations.
NWO SHIFT is a transdisciplinary conference where researchers, policymakers, societal organisations and other changemakers come together to address complex societal challenges that cannot be solved from a single perspective. By connecting insights from across disciplines and sectors, the conference explores how science can inform action, support decision-making and help society navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.
This years theme: Attention – Shaping Society in Uncertain Times
In a world shaped by constant stimuli and fierce competition for visibility, attention is not a neutral resource. It shapes authority and influence, affects how we understand ourselves and others, and ultimately determines whose voices are heard and whose are overlooked. We invite attendees to explore the role of attention in power and decision-making, its psychological and existential dimensions, and its broader societal consequences.
The programme features internationally renowned researcher and author Carl Miller, as well as Peter-Paul Verbeek (President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, KNAW), Lisa Loeb, Claes de Vreese, Sinan Cankaya, Idil Galip and Haroon Sheikh.
When: 16 November 2026
Where: Figi, Zeist, The Netherlands
View the tentative programme and register here:
NWO SHIFT – Shaping Society in Uncertain Times | NWO
In uncertain times, what we pay attention to may be one of the most important choices we make. Join the conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to NWO SHIFT.
Best regards,
Guda van Noort
Chair of the social sciences and humanities domain (acting) NWO
Bas van Bavel
Chair of the SSH-council
Mirjam van Praag
Chair of the NWO SHIFT advisory board