The Netherlands Centre for Coastal Research (NCK) is a cooperation of Dutch universities and institutes on coastal research and management. Founded in 1991, the NCK aims at increasing the quality of coastal research in The Netherlands, enhancing the exchange of knowledge to the applied research community, reinforcing coastal research and education capacities at Dutch universities and strengthening the position of Dutch coastal research in a United Europe and beyond.

NCK research (interaction) is concentrated in five themes, viz. Seabed and Shelf, Beach Barrier Coast, Tidal Inlet Systems and Estuaries, Sand and Mud and Hydrodynamics. Added value is realized by carrying out joint research programmes in The Netherlands as well as abroad, through exchange of senior research staff between partners and via dissemination of knowledge during dedicated meetings as well as the annual NCK days.

NCK activities have contributed importantly to the establishment of strong relationships between research and management groups of various NCK partners. This has actively stimulated the development of in-depth knowledge through interaction of key-specialists from different background, facilitated a multi-disciplinary approach towards coastal problems and improved the match between specialist knowledge and end-user interests.