The Netherlands Centre for Coastal Research is a cooperative network of private, governmental and independent research institutes and universities, all working in the field of coastal research. The partners are: Deltares, Rijkswaterstaat, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University, University of Twente, Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), IHE-Delft, Wageningen University & Research and TNO. The NCK links the strongest expertise of its partners, forming a true network of excellence in coastal research in The Netherlands. The NCK was established with the objectives: - To increase the quality and continuity of the coastal research in the Netherlands. The NCK stimulates the cooperation between various research themes and institutes. This cooperation leads to the exchange of expertise, methods and theories between the participating institutes. - To maintain fundamental coastal research in The Netherlands at a sufficient high level and enhance the exchange of this fundamental knowledge to the applied research community. - To reinforce coastal research and education capacities at Dutch universities; - To strengthen the position of Dutch coastal research in a United Europe and beyond. For more than 25 years, the NCK collaboration stimulates the interaction between coastal research groups. It facilitates a strong embedding of coastal research in the academic programmes and courses, attracting young and enthusiastic scientists to the field of coastal dynamics. Several times a year, the NCK organises events, aimed at promoting cooperation and mutual exchange of knowledge. NCK is open to researchers from non-partner companies and abroad. The NCK covers the following research themes: - Seabed and Shelf - Beach Barrier Coasts - Tidal Inlets and Estuaries - Sand and Mud - Hydrodynamics - Bio-geomorphology - Coastal Zone Management