Its job is to issue recommendations regarding how research that is funded by the Dutch government for the purpose of fostering development can best be attuned to the needs of developing countries. The Council's field of activity is described as 'research that is of relevance to the developing world'.
Research can be in any field.
The only requirement is that it is relevant and useful to the developing countries. Given the tasks the Council has to perform and the way it operates, this multi-sectoral composition is essential. Six of them are from developing countries. They are appointed for periods of three years and may be reappointed once. The Council has three advisory Council Members, one appointed by each of the Ministers involved.