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Research university

The UvA conducts research that makes a difference. We are working on a sustainable, fair and healthy future. Through innovative research into complex social challenges.

Faculty and interdisciplinary research

Every faculty conducts high-quality research in its own field, which helps increase knowledge and solve societal problems.

In addition, the UvA focuses on a number of leading interdisciplinary research areas. The purpose of these research priority areas is to explore and encourage innovation by bringing together different disciplines, beyond faculty boundaries. 

Examples of our multidisciplinary research:

  • Human(e) AI – Brings together researchers who work on the legal, ethical and social consequences of AI and automated decision-making.
  • Brain and cognition – Covers the full spectrum from brain cell to social behaviour. Medical practitioners, psychologists, linguists, neurologists, economists, behavioural specialists, biologists and logicians work together on this.
  • European studies – Focuses on major societal challenges, such as sustainability, migration and privacy, in a European context. A collaboration between 4 faculties.

Learn more about the UvA’s research

Outstanding doctoral research

Every year, around 500 doctoral degrees (PhDs) are conferred at the UvA. The UvA offers a stimulating research environment in which the talents of postdoctoral researchers can be developed in the best possible way. Academic research conducted at the university is in the international vanguard in a broad range of disciplines. As a result, the University is successful in terms of competing for external research funding, at both the national and international level.

Read more about obtaining a doctorate at the UvA

Support for researchers

The UvA is committed to supporting researchers in preparing for, carrying out and completing their research. Whether it be applying for funding, the storage of data or publishing their results, researchers will find all the information they need through the Research Support Portal.

Go to the Research Support Portal

Expertise in many fields

As a leading research university, the UvA has a wealth of knowledge in house. Consequently, UvA researchers feature frequently in a wide range of media, explaining current developments and happenings in their field of research.

You can see a selection of our experts here