Research
Nowadays, the quest for answers and solutions to scientific and social issues is no longer something that lies within the realm of a single academic discipline. A large part of the research carried out at VU University Amsterdam takes place within the context of interdisciplinary research institutes. Consider, for example, the collaboration that exists between biomedical, biophysical, psychological and clinical neurology (Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam), or cultural, economic and scientific aspects of heritage, that are subject to an innovative approach (CLUE). The existence of the campus and its proximity to the VU Medical Centre now facilitate collaboration between individuals from a variety of disciplines.
VU University Amsterdam now employs a great many researchers who belong to the (inter)national elite in their subject and the university itself has featured amongst Europe’s top research universities for a number of years now. Research that is driven by curiosity and that constantly stimulates researchers to go one step further. Relevance to society is always of primary importance in that regard. The value that VU University Amsterdam attaches to social relevance is underlined each year when the university hands out the Societal Impact Award, which recognizes excellence in research that has a major impact upon society.
VU University Amsterdam also carries out commissioned research on behalf of the business sector or social organizations. This type of research is known as contract research. This type of research is based upon the principle that society will benefit directly from the scientific knowledge and experience of VU University Amsterdam, not only inside the Netherlands, but in other countries too, such as in developing countries. In this way, the university is able to contribute towards improving the conditions that exist in countries that do not possess the resources to do this for themselves.
