NCR is playing a co-ordinating, exploratory and stimulating role as regards research connected with rivers: the NCR’s research-orientated function. Key words in that context are programming, co-operation and joint fund-raising.
As part of this function NCR has been asked to perform the programme management of a large IRMA transnational research programme and is a major participant in the Integrated Project FLOODsite.

In line with this, NCR also has an educational function. Knowledge on the structure and functioning of river systems is a very important element in the effort to keep the Netherlands sustainably habitable. This country has built up an international reputation with its expertise in the areas of river management and river planning. The transfer of such expertise at an academic level, both in regular courses and in more formal Ph.D. programmes (AIOs, OIOs) will stimulate dissemination of the expertise potential and reinforce the international position of river experts who have been educated in the Netherlands.

Lastly, NCR has a network or platform function, serving as a forum for all parties in the Netherlands involved in rivers-related research.
Spheres of interest

As NCR is based on co-operation, it is logical to focus on

1. topics requiring compilation of the participating parties' expertise and/or resulting in synergy, and
2. topics necessitating co-ordination of mono-disciplinary research on account of problems relating to management and planning.

Moreover, the approach to the river basin issue and the emphasis on planning of the region should preferably tie in with the renewed societal interest in rivers. Consequently, NCR chiefly focuses on planning issues, and examines the entire river basin, including the upper course. We centre on more multi-disciplinary research, with only mono-disciplinary research having relevance in NCR for management and planning issues, whilst demonstrating a degree of cohesion.

Disciplines of importance for NCR are:

• hydrology (of the river basin),
• fluvial hydraulics,
• geomorphology,
• sedimentology,
• river ecology,
• social sciences and
• spatial planning.

Each discipline is present in at least two of NCR’s partners, thus enhancing the cooperation between the partners.
NCR’s sphere of interest are structured thematically on the basis of scale.

In 2002 the following research themes were adopted:

1. Living (in harmony) with the River ((Over)leven met de rivier)
2. River and Floodplain Management (in which the Cyclic Floodplain Rejuvenation projects are incorporated)
3. Genesis of Floods, which is incorporated in the activities of the Hydrological Triangle
4. the Morphological Triangle.