Last year was a particularly turbulent one, both within our faculty, at VU and in the outside world. Nevertheless, together we have made important contributions to education, science and society. Let us therefore reflect on what we have achieved, but above all look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Innovation, collaboration and community involvement
In 2024, our researchers impressed on many fronts: from pioneering research on sustainability and climate to new insights into artificial intelligence and the complex workings of the brain. A special mention deserves the winning of 11 research grants from the European Research Council. Our students and young researchers have shown that they are a driving force for innovation, collaboration and social commitment. A great example is the developed digital assistant that gives counsellors suggestions during a conversation with 113 Suicide Prevention. I am proud of the fact that in July this year, the largest quadrennial conference on science, technology and society took place at the VU. This conference brought together more than 3,000 researchers from around the world to discuss the value of science and technology to society from a transdisciplinary perspective. Last year, the new VU Research Building was opened: a strengthening of our Human Health & Life Sciences campus. Finally, we worked hard together to make our education portfolio more efficient and resilient. Thank you to each of you for your dedication, curiosity and hard work.
Eyes on 2025
In 2025, we look forward to new milestones. Together, with our teaching and research, we will continue to work on the big questions of our time: from medical breakthroughs to climate change, from technological advances to fundamental research into the laws of nature. We continue to invest in collaborations - both within the university and with partners in government, civil society organisations and industry.
The new year also brings challenges. The world is changing rapidly, financial pressures on universities are increasing, and we as faculty, scientists and all other staff are asked to remain resilient, creative and responsible in our role as bridge-builders between science and society. With the strength of our faculty - the diversity of talent, perspectives and knowledge - I am convinced that together we can meet these challenges and will make our contribution to our primary tasks: education, research and valorisation.
A message of courage, hope and connection
As we launch 2025, I would like to make a call to everyone: let us continue to invest in each other. In these times of polarisation and uncertainty, education and science are more than ever a beacon of hope and progress.
Let's continue to listen, learn and walk new paths together with courage. As Marillyne Robinson said during the Dies Natalis, ‘Courage is the great liberator of all virtues’.
I wish you a year full of inspiration, success and connection for 2025.
Aletta Kraneveld
Dean of the Faculty of Science
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam