In these projects, researchers collaborate with knowledge partners and social organizations. In this way, knowledge is developed and used to jointly achieve scientific and social impact.
DeMoCraft: Democratic Moral Craftsmanship for Just and Resilient Institutions - associate professor of public administration and political science Leonie Heres.
A just and resilient society upholds principles of democracy and rule of law, especially in times of grand societal transitions and crises. DeMoCraft helps politicians develop the democratic moral craftsmanship they need to do this. We study what democratic and moral knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices are important, and how their environment can help or hinder politicians. We look at effects on the quality and integrity of political decision-making and policy development, as well as citizen trust. Scholars, political interest groups, NGOs and policy advisors work together to then develop ways to strengthen politicians’ democratic and moral decision-making and behavior.
Consortium: Avans Hogeschool, CAOP, Gemeente Amsterdam, Gemeente Den Haag, Gemeente Eindhoven, Gemeente Rotterdam, Gemeente Utrecht, KLPP, Logeion, NGB, NVVR, Provincie Utrecht, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Saxion/Hogeschool Utrecht, STAT, Stichting Beroepseer, Tilburg University, Transparency International Nederland, Universiteit Leiden, University of Amsterdam, VGS, VNG, VvG, WET, ProDemos, Montesquieu Instituut, Dialoog & Ethiek, KIEM, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of General Affairs, General Administrative Service, DJI.
BIO-COMPaSS: BIOlogical age-driven, COMmunal, Personalized System for Sustainable health promotion - professor of molecular and applied exercise physiology Richard Jaspers.
Although the general population is living longer, their healthy life years are declining due to chronic lifestyle diseases. A gap exists between people's calendar age and their "biological" age, resulting in lower quality of life, higher healthcare costs, and increased sick leave. The main contributors are insufficient exercise and poor diet. The BIO-COMPaSS project examines whether understanding one's biological age—as a measure of actual health—motivates healthier behavior. Citizens, scientists, and companies are collaborating to identify which biomarkers, combined with personalized exercise and nutrition plans, provide the strongest motivation. The project aims to reduce biological age by five years, contributing to a healthier population.
Consortium: ACCRES, Amsterdam Centre for Entrepreneurship, Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science, Amsterdam UMC - AMC location, Amsterdam UMC - VUmc location, Movement Sciences Netherlands (VvBN), CIOSNL, CLOSE, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV), Friesland Campina, Gymstore, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Knowledge Centre for Sport & Exercise, Lecturers Platform for Sport and Exercise, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University, Medical Biobank North Netherlands B.V. (‘Lifelines’), MyViva Inc, Canada, National Fund for Sport, Netherlands Twin Register, NL Actief, NOC-NSF, NV SRO, Platform for Entrepreneurial Sports Providers (POS-NL), Radboud University Nijmegen, Rehablines, University of Groningen, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Sport Data Valley, Sportbedrijf Arnhem, SportCity, Sportinnovator, CAOP Foundation (CAOP Foundation) - Department: Movement Alliance), JOGG-NL Foundation, Nutrition Lives Foundation, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Leiden University, University of Twente, VeiligheidNL, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Wageningen University & Research
META-IMMUNOTYPES: Decoding immune-metabolic homeostasis to better understand chronic diseases - Juan J. Garcia Vallejo, Amsterdam UMC - VUmc location.
Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions are rising fast due to aging and poor lifestyle. Researchers will track how immune and metabolic systems interact, aiming to catch warning signs before illness strikes. Using simple blood tests and advanced technology, they will detect hidden immune imbalances early. This could lead to better prevention through lifestyle changes, not just medication. The project is unique for combining top scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers, patients, and artists. Together, they’re building tools, education, and awareness to promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease in our society.
Consortium: Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam UMC - AMC location, Amsterdam UMC - VUmc location, Cytek Biosciences, Erasmus MC, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, ImmuneHealth-XL, LASE Innovation, Lygature, Medical Centre for Prevention and Lifestyle, NIVEL - Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Lygature Foundation, MU Foundation.
In addition, VU and Amsterdam UMC participate in the following four research projects:
JUST ART. Creating Common Grounds for Climate Justice Through Artistic Research. - Ann-Sophie Lehmann, University of Groningen.
Climate justice is hampered by a lack of awareness and consensus on actions. Offering imaginative scenarios and unconventional approaches, art & artistic research enhance awareness and empower people to move from awareness to action. JUST ART mobilises this potential for a climate just future of human and non-human inhabitants of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
ARREST: Advancing Regeneration Research using Ex Situ Normothermic Liver Perfusion - Stan van de Graaf, Amsterdam UMC - Location AMC.
Ex situ normothermic liver perfusion (NMP) enables preservation of donor livers at body temperature. A multidisciplinary team of researchers and doctors collaborating with patient associations and companies is developing groundbreaking models to test new therapies that improve liver function using NMP. Additionally, NMP is applied in regenerative medicine to repair damaged donor livers and make them suitable for transplantation. This project can eventually lead to application of NMP to grow liver segments outside of the human body, thus increasing the number of available donor livers and even allowing patients to even receive their own regrown-repaired liver segments.
Traumascapes: Valuing, Negotiating and Sharing Sites of Trauma, Pain and Loss - Jan Kolen, University of Leiden.
In the Netherlands and its former colonies, there are numerous traumascapes: places with traces and associated memories of trauma and loss. These traumascapes are important for identity and remembrance. However, they also evoke polarized debate about their values for a dynamic Dutch society. In the Traumascapes Project, various issues surrounding traumascapes are investigated by an interdisciplinary consortium. In co-creation, the partners develop formulas to make Dutch traumascapes more accessible and inclusive, not only to reflect on their past, but also to use these places for productive dialogue and for transitions of the future.
STRONGER2GETHER: Strengthening social relationships for students’ flourishing and mental well-being - M. van der Veen, Hogeschool Windesheim
The STRONGER2GETHER project supports youth flourish by strengthening social relationships, which are crucial for their mental health and well-being. Focusing on underrepresented groups such as vocational and special education students, we co-create and test interventions that promote positive relationships and youth flourishing in schools, online, and sports context. These insights will be integrated into the curricula of future professionals, enabling them to better support young people in their social and mental development. The project aims to create lasting societal impact by empowering educational environments to foster resilience and positive social connections for all youth.
Collective Effort for Innovation and Collaboration
The research projects cover a wide range of areas of expertise. We are facing major challenges such as housing shortages, climate change, and the energy transition. To address these, citizens, scientists, governments, and organizations work together to find solutions. Each project receives approximately €6.8 million to get started immediately.
National Science Agenda Program
The foundation for the creation and renewal of the National Science Agenda lies with citizens. In the NWA program, the connection between society and science is essential. Governments, researchers, civil society organizations, and citizens jointly develop and apply knowledge to achieve scientific and societal impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared within society to increase engagement with and trust in science.