The study of culture, cognition, history and heritage plays a key role in the word today, as they inform us on how societies function and how contemporary challenges are framed and managed. The VU interfaculty research institute CLUE+ brings together researchers with all levels of experience and from a wide variety of academic disciplines and backgrounds, to jointly investigate these concerns, reflect upon societal challenges and formulate strategies for addressing them. CLUE+ focuses mainly on global connectedness, in line with the university’s profile theme Connected World. CLUE+ researchers for example address the political history of transnational trade, social injustice in contemporary de-colonization debates and the relationship between local heritage and international climate mitigation planning.
CLUE+ aims to build an inspiring academic community. We do so through interdisciplinary research projects, approaching societal challenges in novel ways and with innovative methodologies. In practice, CLUE+ achieves its impact by bringing people together in activities such as seminars, roundtables and workshops. We also provide support to research experiments, network building and talent development through our funding schemes. CLUE+’s international orientation makes it an ideal partner for academic institutes as well as public and cultural organizations in Europe and other regions.