| The main objective of this Working Programme (6) is to provide a platform where social science researchers in the field of health, health care and fertility can discuss their work and exchange insights derived from their research. The Programme is not so much a closed body of cooperating researchers within one Research School, but a network that links researchers from different schools and institutes, first of al] on a national level but also internationally. Some of the members of the Programme also have ties to other research schools in the Netherlands, notably the Amsterdam School of Social Science Research (ASSR). There is in fact a formal collaboration between CERES and the ASSR. The programme stimulates the creativity of individual researchers and diversity of theoretical approaches and at the same time provides a coherent intellectual framework in which the diversity is discussed and examined. The research group seeks to build on the diversity of scientific orientations to enhance the quality and originality of individual research projects. The group considers trends which reinforce monolithic research programming (trends favoured by some major sponsors of scientific research) unproductive. The research programme has been remarkably successfull in combining individual 'freedom'with an overarching conceptual structure, thanks to its clear focus on health and reproduction. The programme themes are studied against the backdrop of and in relation to social, economic and political development. A special effort is made to stimulate junior researchers by involving thern in current research projects and in workshops and other meetings. Publishing in local and international journals is particularly encouraged and supported. |
