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Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Institute for Advanced Study (IAS)

Governance of Complexity: Bridging Research and Practice

This half-day event on Governance of Complexity showcases how the university community and policy partners collaborate on societal challenges. It showcases advanced methods developed by researchers, students, and partners, and explores how IAS, IIS and the University connect with society.
Date
21 January 2026
Time
13:00 -16:30
Room
Chirurgisch Theater

The UvA Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) advances cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that addresses complex scientific and societal challenges. Under the IAS theme' Governance of Complexity,' we incubate, host, and support research in close collaboration with societal stakeholders. Together with the UvA Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) – the expertise center for inter- and transdisciplinary education - a new Master’s degree on Complex Systems and Policy was launched, with the first cohort using the food system to address challenges around sustainability and health.

This half-day gathering, hosted in the University Library, showcases how advanced methods are developed and applied by teams of researchers, students and partners, from the city to the national and international level.

We will also highlight the vehicles and formats that allow IAS, IIS, and the wider University to connect directly to society and, in particular, to the City of Amsterdam.

Discussion topics 

  • When does collaboration between science and society work?
  • What is needed, and what are the common pitfalls?
  • How can we craft joint knowledge agendas for the coming decade?
  • Which formats can best support mutually beneficial collaborations?
  • How can we best translate research collaborations into education?

Objectives

In this event, we will: 

  • Showcase collaborative initiatives across research and policymaking. 

  • Present the first cohort of student projects from the new MSc Complex Systems & Policy programme. 

  • Surface effective collaboration formats (e.g., IAS Policy Fellowships, labs, training) by hearing what partners actually need. 

  • Foster networking among students, researchers and current/potential policy partners. 

  • Explore new partnerships and opportunities for impact. 

Programme

13:00

Walk-in & coffee at UB (Chirurgisch Theater)
13.20 Opening remarks by Prof. Huub Dijstelbloem, Director, IAS (UvA) 
13:40

Dr. Corinna Hawkes, Director, Agrifood Systems & Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Division of the United Nations  
Topic: Bridging research and practice for system change. 
14:00

Lightning talks from IAS initiatives that bridge science and policy,  followed by a panel discussion on what works, challenges encountered, and future directions. 

Special guest: Dr. Doutje Lettinga, Chief Science Officer, Municipality of Amsterdam
15:15

Walk to IAS 
15:30

Coffee & Cake Chats : Engage with MSc Complex Systems & Policy showcases (stakeholder driven projects), the partners and other participants. 
16:30 End

Who should attend 

Researchers, students, policymakers, public servants, NGOs, and civic and industry partners interested in evidence‑informed governance, complex systems, and collaborative problem‑solving. 

Register Please register to secure your place. Seats are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.