Science with Society

During the conversations between residents and students in different neighbourhoods of Amsterdam in December 2022 two important themes emerged, namely; ‘spaces for mental health’ and ‘the just energy transition ’. In relation to spaces for mental health we found that depression, burnout and loneliness are becoming more common, especially since the pandemic. The City of Amsterdam therefore wants to improve the design of public space for the benefit of the mental health of its residents. What do the people of Amsterdam themselves think is needed for this? In relation to the just energy transition, we found that requires a fundamental transition from the current dominant fossil energy system to a low carbon/zero system. The City of Amsterdam wants to be climate neutral by 2050 and completely ban gas from the city by 2040. This shift requires rigorous changes and therefore has a major societal impact. How do the people of Amsterdam view this? The findings of the students in relation to these questions can be found on Open Research Amsterdam.

In November and December 2023, students from the Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning (iCSL1) course spoke with residents from different neighborhoods about various themes, such as the sense of community and any changes they see in their neighborhood. They also spoke to community librarians of the OBAs and investigated how the OBAs connect with local residents, or how they could do this even more. Various themes emerged in these conversations. For example, it was discussed how urban transitions and gentrification influence the sense of community and social cohesion in neighborhoods. The OBA organizes many events in various neighborhoods to strengthen this sense of community and tackle loneliness, but are local residents also aware of this? With the input from the conversations with local residents and community librarians, the students created artworks in collaboration with SAMA, which address, for example, the connection between neighborhood and library or the sense of community in the neighborhood. More findings can be found on Open Research Amsterdam.

When discussing the outcomes of the research sharing ideas for new research directions are developed through co-creation, residents, local organisations, students, researchers, teachers and policymakers gather within various OBA locations in different neighbourhoods in Amsterdam to exchange knowledge and ideas on the topics metal strength and energy transition.

In relation to mental strength  we discussed individual vs. collective mental strength and the importance of taking care of each other and our communities. We also discussed internal vs. external factors that contribute to mental strength. For example, people can be mentally strong but still in a vulnerable position within society. In the OBA North we hosted a mental strength-themed quiz (adapted from a regular weekly OBA quiz) in order to stimulate discussion about mental strength among the elderly in Noord. We discussed potential causes of loneliness among the elderly, green spaces in Amsterdam, and changes in the neighbourhood. In South-East there was a round table discussion, which included HvA psychology students and welfare organizations such as Thrive Amsterdam (GGD) and Swasoom Welzijn. Participants reflected on three questions: 1) What does mental strength mean to you? 2) How do you keep your balance? and 3) What can buurtcampuses or the Science with Society project do to help you?

In relation to the energy transition, a much-discussed topic in this dialogue was how we can best use the talents already present in the community to stimulate the energy transition. In many neighbourhoods there is a sense of togetherness and there is a lot of knowledge about the neighbourhood and its residents. Shouldn't we use this more? Moreover, HvA and VU students organized the evening ‘Making Geuzenveld Green’ in the OBA in New West. Residents could go here for practical advice from energy coaches and the FIXbrigade. Round table discussions also took place and a great deal of input was received from the various residents and organizations present about what the energy transition means for them. During the Science with Society event in Energie Lab Zuid-Oost held a session on energy transition with an emphasis on people's experiences on this subject. This mainly concerned ways of saving energy: what people are already doing themselves, but also what they need to do better.’

The more detailed findings of the students in relation to these questions can be found on Open Research Amsterdam. 

Within the Interdisciplinary Community Service Learning-2 (iCSL2) programme, students, researchers, community organisations, and residents collaborated across different neighbourhoods in Amsterdam to explore urgent urban issues. Seven diverse projects were carried out this year, each addressing a specific theme, ranging from mental resilience to energy justice and sustainable food systems. Despite their unique approaches, these projects shared a common focus on collective knowledge, co-creation, and community empowerment.

There were two initiatives that centred around Mental Health and Resilience, especially in relation to social inequality and exclusion. In Healing from Institutional Racism, students from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) worked closely with community partners to reflect on the psychological and emotional impacts of systemic injustice. Together with residents, they explored how care networks can support healing and how resilience can be understood not just individually, but collectively. Similarly, the project Religious Belonging and Loneliness addressed the role of faith communities in fostering a sense of meaning and connection. In neighbourhoods like Zuid-Oost and Nieuw-West, students and residents discussed how spiritual practices and shared rituals can counteract social isolation, particularly among those feeling disconnected from mainstream institutions.

The theme Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Cities explored how energy transitions can become more just and community-driven. One project partnered with local initiatives in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost to identify barriers marginalised communities face in saving energy and recommended inclusive outreach and ethical data use. Another project engaged undocumented migrant volunteers in citizen science activities at a community farm, co-creating ways for them to share knowledge and contribute meaningfully. Together, these projects show that sustainable urban change depends on community trust, participation, and shared ownership, not just technology.

The projects on Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems added yet another layer. In Hybrid Resilient Urban Food, students explored how digital and social infrastructures can support more equitable food practices in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost. Through workshops and dialogue sessions, they investigated the barriers residents face in accessing healthy food, and how digital tools, when embedded in local practices. can support change. Meanwhile, We Are Local focused on storytelling as a tool for food activism and empowerment. In collaboration with partners like Taste Before You Waste, students co-organised a community dinner and exhibition where residents shared personal stories of food, culture, and identity. These stories were also collected through interviews and audio recordings, highlighting the role of local food systems in building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

Want to read more about these projects? Find all the student outcomes on this OpenResearch.Amsterdam page.

This project is a collaboration between the Athena Institute of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, wellbeing organisation VoorUit, the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA).

This project has received € 150 000 in funding from the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA).

Visit Open Research Amsterdam for more information and student products