We support researchers and students who want to make an impact, for example, through co-creation with societal partners, contract research, lifelong learning offerings, citizen science, entrepreneurship, or public dialogue. Our collaborations include working with IXA-GO, for instance through the ERC Starting Grant Support Program, which helps researchers develop impactful proposals. We also work with the Demonstrator Lab to support students and researchers in further developing ideas and research results toward societal application. Through the VU StartHub, we offer guidance in advancing scientific innovations into startups or other forms of entrepreneurship.
Valorization is also embedded in our faculty’s career policy for academic staff (2025). Researchers are given space to work on impact, and this is taken into account in evaluations and promotions. The seven valorization strategies outlined in the policy serve as the foundation.
We encourage interdisciplinary exchange through impact seminars on themes such as collaboration with societal partners, science communication, legal issues, and visibility. These seminars emerged from a faculty-wide exploration of valorization needs.
