More impact on universities, students, the labor market and society
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and the University of Twente (UT) are working ever more closely together in the fields of education, research and valorisation. In doing so, we aim to make a major difference in four areas of society: a resilient and secure society, a clean and sustainable society, a smart and digital society and developing talent.
Latest news
- Building 4 Belonging works towards inclusive school environments to defeat lonelinessThe five-year NWA project Building 4 Belonging, which has been awarded €1 million in funding by NWO, officially kicked off on October 22 with an online event. Researchers from diverse disciplines, including data science, architecture, psychology and psychiatry, came together with professionals and lived-experience experts to work towards one shared goal: creating school environments where all students – particularly autistic students – feel welcome and valued. This initiative aligns with national efforts to combat loneliness and mental health problems in Dutch society.
- New Makerspace at the VU: Tana introduces the innovative space for studentsThe Demonstrator Lab (DLAB) at the VU has long been a dynamic environment where students and researchers develop and test innovative ideas. This year, a new addition to the lab has been made: the Makerspace, specifically designed for VU-UT students. Here, students from Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Creative Technology (CreaTe) can attend practical courses and gain hands-on experience with technologies such as 3D printing and prototype development. Under the guidance of Cayetana Antón García, better known as Tana, an experienced technician and the new Lab Manager, students can also further develop their own skills and bring their ideas to life.
- Majed Chahwan, the new team manager of RISE, on his vision and ambitionsMajed Chahwan has a clear vision as the new team manager of RISE: to strengthen the team organisation and build sustainable partnerships. In this interview, he shares his background, team ambitions, and RISE's mission for sustainable space exploration through innovative projects such as the Green Phoenix engine and Project Alpha.
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Education
Secure Societies
This theme is about safety, flexibility, resistance and stability. With the impact programme ‘Secure Societies’, we contribute to strengthening the resilience and security of our society so that it becomes adaptive and remains stable in times of crisis.
Responsible Societies
This theme revolves around a clean and sustainable society. With the impact programme ‘Responsible Societies' we are working on a circular economy, energy neutral developments and adaptive and resilient systems. By doing so, we contribute to an enterprising, healthy and sustainable society that reuses its raw materials.
Smart Societies
This theme is about a smart and digital society. With the impact programme 'Smart Societies', we focus on the development of new digital technologies and the evaluation of the effects of this digital transformation. By doing so, we contribute to a fair, healthy and sustainable digital society.
Developing of talent
Society has a great need for highly educated technical staff with a broad orientation and social commitment. Therefore, we want to educate the talents needed for the future.
Within the programme Creating talent for society, we meet this need by developing innovative and multidisciplinary education at bachelor, master, PhD and post-doctoral level.
We also create platforms for exchange, cross-fertilisation and talent development for our students and staff. In addition, we create opportunities for continuous learning paths for students, staff, alumni and employees (life-long learning).