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

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.