‘We aim to increase our impact in the areas of digitalisation and AI, climate, a resilient society and a healthy future,’ says Rector Magnificus Peter‑Paul Verbeek. ‘We are building on the foundations laid in recent years through the themes in the previous Institutional Plan. The thematic collaboration is now more firmly embedded in the organisation and is also included in the new UvA Strategy for 2027–2032.’

‘Opening up’

Strengthening collaboration with external organisations is essential. ‘Sustainable partnerships, truly connecting with the issues that matter in society — opening up — that is the ambition expressed in the new strategy,’ Verbeek says. ‘The four themes provide a platform for collaboration between researchers, students, policy‑makers, businesses and citizens. That is why it is important that we build a distinctive profile where excellent research and societal impact come together.’

New structure

The renewed embedding of the themes in the organisational structure is designed to strengthen our profile and forge closer links with education. Pooling our strengths also increases the chances of attracting external funding. Each strategic theme is led by two researchers with complementary expertise; together with a scientific programme board, they set the theme’s strategic direction.

Further details about the four themes will follow once the multi‑year plans have been discussed with the Executive Board and the deans.