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Theme-based collaboration

The major societal challenges of our time – such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, the technological risks of AI, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing polarization – are too complex to be solved by a single discipline. To address the societal issues of the moment, the UvA has formulated the ambition in its Institutional Plan 2021-2026 Inspiring Generations to bring researchers together across disciplinary boundaries around four major themes.

With these four strategic themes, the university creates space for collaboration to tackle urgent societal challenges and prepare new generations for a rapidly changing world.

In a dialogue between the Executive Board, the deans, and the research community, four societal themes have been selected, for which there is a lot of relevant expertise within the UvA:

Themes
  • Responsible digital transformations

    The theme 'responsible digital transformations' focuses on ethical, legal and societal aspects of digital technologies, algorithms, systems and platforms, and their impact on trust, dependence and equality in society.

    The steering group is led by Marieke de Goede (chair, dean FGw) and Peter van Tienderen (vice-chair, dean FNWI). Theme manager and contact person is Christine Erb (m.c.erb@uva.nl).

    More information

    For more information on this theme and the projects, please visit Responsible digital transformations.

  • Fair and resilient societies

    This theme focuses on promoting a fair, stable and resilient society that ensures the well-being of its citizens.  

    The steering group is led by Christa Boer (chair, dean FMG) and Roel Beetsma (vice-chair, dean FEB). 

    More information 

    For more information on this theme and the projects, please visit Fair and resilient societies.

  • Sustainable prosperity

    Sustainable prosperity 

    The Sustainable prosperity theme focuses on sustainable, climate-resilient progress by reducing the ecological footprint through behavioural change and by renewing materials and resources. 

    The steering group is led by André Nollkaemper (chair, dean FdR) and Peter van Tienderen (vice-chair, dean FNWI). Theme manager and contact person is Dylan Suijker (d.p.l.suijker@uva.nl). 

    More information 

    For more information on this theme and the projects, please visit Sustainable Prosperity.

  • Healthy future

    The 'healthy future' theme involves mental and physical health in relation to cultural factors, behaviour, participation in society, and the realisation of equal opportunities. 

    The steering group is led by Yvo Roos (chair, dean of Medicine) and Christa Boer (vice-chair, dean of FMG). Theme manager and contact person is Jillian O’Mara (j.r.omara@amsterdamumc.nl).

    More information 

    For more information on this theme and the projects, please visit Healthy future.

More about Theme-based collaboration 

The Theme-based Collaboration program invites scientists to formulate new, sometimes unexpected research questions at the intersection of disciplines and faculties on socially relevant themes – and to incorporate these into education as well. This program is an important step in realizing the UvA's ambition to innovate and contribute to addressing complex societal issues through collaboration, both between disciplines within the UvA and with external partners.

Since its start in 2021, the Theme-based Collaboration program has grown into a widely supported and valuable movement within the UvA. Numerous interfaculty initiatives have emerged within all four IP themes. With the use of Seed Grants and Midsize Projects, visible results have been achieved, including concrete collaborations and scientific output.

Contact

Do you have a question or comment about theme-based collaboration? Or would you like to learn more about UvA’s Strategic Plan? If so, please contact the implementation team. Get in touch via instellingsplan@uva.nl.