The Faculty of Science is characterised by a continuous flow of innovation and renewal in research and education. Our faculty is bursting with technological developments, such as components for particle accelerators, sensors, measuring instruments for greenhouse gases, imaging techniques for better diagnoses, and software and hardware for robotics for our research in the field of health and climate. Our Technology Center, the Demonstrator Lab and VU StartHub often play an important role in this, from development to valorisation.
Our campus in Amsterdam's Zuidas business district is buzzing with science and technology. At the end of 2027, VU Amsterdam will open the Matrix Innovation Center. The Matrix Innovation Center will house university-related activities such as start-ups, scale-ups and external companies in the fields of Life Sciences, Medtech and AI. This marks a new chapter for the Kenniskwartier campus in Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, where the university, businesses and the city are increasingly coming together.
A shared future
Today's and tomorrow's students are essential to this development. During Science Weekend (Weekend van de Wetenschap) on 4 October, the brand-new Research Building was filled with a colourful parade of more than a thousand curious visitors, from primary school pupils wearing safety goggles to parents who were just as excited. Children watched cells under microscopes, made robots dance, and could earn a laser diploma. Our scientists passionately explained what they work on every day and why it is fundamentally important. Our researchers and lecturers showed what science really is: a joint quest, a conversation between curious minds of all ages. What a wonderful bottom-up initiative by the residents of the new Research Building. My sincere thanks to everyone who put their shoulders to the wheel!
Inspiring science and society was the theme of Nikhef's meeting on 30 October to celebrate its 50th anniversary. At this NWO-I institute for Subatomic Physics, our VU scientists make important scientific and technical contributions to “research with long-term and unexpected impact”, such as Mara Soares and Wouter Hulsbergen, whose FASTTRACK project was awarded funding by NWO this week.
The event brought together representatives from government, business and education, such as NWO President Marcel Levi, Robbert Dijkgraaf and Mark Tompson, Director General of CERN, to celebrate Nikhef's role in research and its connection with society. It was particularly interesting to see how various (former) employees highlighted the social importance of Nikhef for their development.
Development through interaction
VU Amsterdam's Science and Technology Campus is growing not only in square metres, but also in significance. Between the concrete pillars and glass facades, something invisible is growing: a culture of openness, collaboration and curiosity. The most important insight is that science does not exist in closed laboratories or lecture halls, but in encounters.
Therefore, please keep 10 February 2026 free in your calendar for the Faculty Afternoon TechTalksScience. Innovative and groundbreaking education and research using the technologies of today and tomorrow will take centre stage. This promises to be an inspiring afternoon full of stimulating presentations, interactive meetings and the presentation of our faculty awards. The Faculty Afternoon is not only enriching in terms of knowledge, but also strengthens our mutual connections and collaboration.