TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)

Connecting scientific knowledge to practical innovation, TNO works with government, industry and knowledge institutions to translate research into solutions that strengthen the Dutch economy and society. With roots dating back to 1932, TNO combines this broad multidisciplinary base with deep domain expertise across its various fields of work.

Within TNO, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) serves as the custodian of the Dutch subsurface, responsible for mapping, monitoring and safeguarding the country’s geological and groundwater resources for current and future generations. This custodianship extends to a dedicated focus on groundwater stewardship, where TNO develops knowledge, tools and partnerships to support the sustainable, equitable and resilient use of groundwater, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

TNO’s groundwater stewardship work spans several interconnected areas: groundwater resource assessment and characterisation, advanced groundwater information products (monitoring, data infrastructure and decision-support tools), climate resilience of groundwater systems and the potential for multiple uses of the subsurface – unlocking its potential without compromising groundwater quality or quantity. Through this integrated approach, TNO supports stakeholders across sectors in managing groundwater as a strategic, finite resource.