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Connecting science and society

Athena Institute

At the Athena Institute, we are dedicated to making research, innovation, and policy more responsive to societal needs.

Bridging the gap between science, policy, practice, and society requires moving beyond the confines of the academic world. To achieve this, we take a transdisciplinary approach, defined by multi-actor engagement to collaboratively address the persistent, multi-faceted societal challenges of our time. 

Our research and education takes place at the interface of science, technology, and society, where diverse perspectives come together. We develop inclusive and reflexive methodologies that invite collaborations across disciplines, sectors, and societal groups. These approaches are designed to foster mutual learning, challenge assumptions, and build trust - laying the foundations for systemic and transformational change. 

Our research projects are organised into four interconnected and overlapping domains. The projects within each domain address complex societal challenges, such as health inequalities, climate change, digitalisation, social justice, and systems transformations.

We invite you to explore our research domains and methodologies below.

Education programmes

Our education offerings are based at the interfaces of life sciences and social sciences, and of theory and practice

Transformation Journeys

Researchers share how they co-create fair and doable solutions

Methodologies and Research Domains

Methodologies

Athena is a leader in developing methodologies for multi-actor engagement and knowledge integration. Our methodologies are divided into three categories: 

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Research domains

We address challenges based upon their societal relevance and urgency. Our current work spans four interconnected research domains:

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Transdisciplinarity for Transformations

Transdisciplinarity for Transformations

The Athena Institute's book, ‘Transdisciplinarity for Transformation’ offers state-of-the-art insights into transdisciplinary approaches for societal transformation. It provides theoretical foundations, practical tools and guidance for researchers and practitioners, especially early-career professionals, that fosters just, equitable, and sustainable collaborations oriented towards transformations.

Download the book here

Watch Athena's Transformation Journeys

More about Athena

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VU Amsterdam, Faculty of Science
Main Building (HG-0E), ground floor, wing E
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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