FAQ

NWO SHIFT is a new conference organised by NWO in collaboration with the SSH-council. On 16 November 2026, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations and businesses will gather at Figi in Zeist to discuss complex societal issues. By bringing together knowledge and perspectives from different disciplines and sectors, NWO SHIFT aims to contribute to solutions that also have a practical impact.

NWO SHIFT is a new conference organised by NWO in collaboration with the SSH-council. On 16 November 2026, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations and businesses will gather at Figi in Zeist to discuss complex societal issues. By bringing together knowledge and perspectives from different disciplines and sectors, NWO SHIFT aims to contribute to solutions that also have a practical impact.

At NWO SHIFT, you will take part in an inspiring programme centred on the theme ‘Attention – Shaping society in uncertain times’. The programme is structured around three key pillars: Attention & Society, Attention & Power, and Attention & the Self. You can look forward to inspiring keynote speeches, in-depth sessions and meetings with experts from various fields. Speakers include Carl Miller, Peter-Paul Verbeek, Stefan van der Stigchel, Lisa Loeb, Haroon Sheikh, Idil Galip, Luc Sels, Amandine Lerusse, Rebecca Schaeffer, Claes de Vreese and Maarten Reesink. As well as gaining new insights, the conference offers plenty of opportunities to exchange experiences and expand your network.

The full programme will be announced in September.

Yes. Attendance at NWO SHIFT is free.

If you are unable to attend, please let us know by sending a cancellation notice via registration@marloesenco.nl

You will receive your admission ticket immediately upon registration. A few days before the event, you can download the event app, which will also contain your QR code for entry. You must have this admission ticket scanned on arrival to gain entry.

Around one week before NWO SHIFT, you’ll receive an email containing the final practical information and your personal login details for the event app. Please note: this email may end up in your spam folder or junk mail folder.

Yes. You can do so via registration@marloesenco.nl.

Yes. Please let us know in advance via registration@marloesenco.nl. 

The programme will be available on the NWO SHIFT website in September. You can also download the event app so you have the programme to hand on the day itself.

No. You do not need to register in advance for the breakout sessions. You can put together your own programme on the day itself. We operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Yes. There is an event app. About a week before the event, you will receive an email with your login details and further information.

The doors of FIGI open at 09:00, with the plenary programme starting at 10:00. The plenary closing is followed by drinks until 17:30.

NWO SHIFT takes place in FIGIin Zeist.

FIGI
Het Rond 2
3701 HS Zeist

FIGI is centrally located in the Netherlands and easily accessible by public transport and car. We encourage visitors to travel to the conference by public transport wherever possible.

By public transport

There are several options:

• Travel by train to Utrecht Central Station. Then take bus 350 towards Veenendaal.
• Travel by train to Driebergen-Zeist Station (~ 3 kilometres from FIGI). Then take one of the free shuttle buses or bus 50 towards Utrecht will take you to the bus stop ‘Het Rond’, just across FIGI. Alternatively, cycle to FIGI in about 5 minutes using a sustainable public transport (OV) bicycle (check availability).

Check for current times 9292.nl or ns.nl.

Yes. At the start and end of the conference day, a free shuttle bus runs between Driebergen-Zeist Station and FIGI. The shuttle bus runs every fifteen minutes.

If you are not travelling by shuttle bus, you can reach FIGI by public transport. From Utrecht Central Station, take U-OV bus 350 towards Veenendaal. From Driebergen-Zeist Station, take U-OV bus 50 towards Utrecht. The bus stops at ‘Het Rond’, directly opposite FIGI.

For current travel times, please check 9292.nl or ns.nl.

Yes. FIGI is easily accessible via the A12 and A28 motorways and has its own car park.

The main entrance to the car park is located at Jufferstraat 42, Zeist. The car park is also accessible via Laan van Beek & Royen. From the car park, you can reach FIGI via a covered walkway. Please note that there is no lift in the car park.

You’ll need to purchase your own parking ticket. A day ticket costs €10.50 including VAT.

As we want to encourage sustainable travel, we recommend travelling to NWO SHIFT by public transport wherever possible.

Yes. During NWO SHIFT, all food and drink on offer will be entirely vegetarian. Do you have any dietary requirements or allergies? If so, please indicate these on the registration form. We will take them into account.

Yes. FIGI is fully accessible to people with disabilities. The conference rooms are wheelchair-accessible and can be reached by lift.

Do you have specific accessibility requirements or do you need extra support during the conference? Please contact us in advance so that we can assess how best to assist you.

A photographer will be present at NWO SHIFT to take photos of the conference. No videos will be recorded.

If you object to being photographed, please let us know at the registration desk upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail at shift@nwo.nl.

If your question is related to your registration, please contact our event bureau at registration@marloesenco.nl.