Delft Cluster performs fundamental research for sustainable delta development
It is Delft Cluster’s ambition to develop into a world knowledge centre for fundamental, strategic long-term research, focusing on sustainable infrastructure of closely populated delta areas.

Delft Cluster was established by five internationally-renowned scientific education and research institutes located in Delft:

• GeoDelft
• UNESCO-IHE (the International Institute for Infrastructural, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering)
• TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research)
• TU Delft (Technical University Delft)
• WL | Delft Hydraulics

They work together on a research program which has been divided into seven themes. Six of these are aimed at developing know-how for the Civil and Hydraulic engineering sector, the seventh focuses on knowledge management. The six themes are:

• Soil and Structure
• Risks due to flooding
• Coast and River
• Urban Infrastructure
• Subsurface Management
• Integrated Water Resources Management

Delft Cluster is an open knowledge network. Research institutes, organisations and companies take part in or contribute to the research programme. Research institutes which contribute in a substantial and lasting way to the realisation of Delft Cluster’s objective can take part as a fully-fledged participant. Substantial investment is required for the physical development of densely populated areas. It is anticipated that nearly 80% of the world’s population in urban conurbations will live and work in coastal areas and deltas by the year 2050.