the Changing City- Science with Society

The Science with Society project brings together local residents, welfare organisations, policy makers, students and scientists. Together we develop knowledge to tackle complex societal problems.

How do we tackle loneliness in a digitized world? How can we become more sustainable in a just way? Finding fair and effective solutions for such complex issues requires knowledge and experience from many different angles. The Science with Society (SwS) project brings these different perspectives together by connecting local residents, welfare organisations, policy makers, students and scientists. We exchange ideas and acquire new knowledge together, which we then convert into research agendas and practical advice for policy.

This project is a collaboration between VU Athena, VoorUit, OBA en HvA. thsi project is financed by the 'Nationale Wetenschapsagenda (NWA)' part of NWO.

Throughout the year we organize to main events in Dcember and in June:

Student & Society in Dialogue

During this event, residents from various neighbourhoods in Amsterdam raise the local topics that they think research should address. Students from VU and HvA discuss these topics with the residents in creative ways, for example by creating art with spray paint. Ultimately, the residents and students co-define a research agenda with topics for research to examine.

Find the outcomes of these events at the bottom of this page.

Science with Society (SwS) Festival

During this event, research agendas as defined during ‘Student & Society in Dialogue’ are shared with residents, local organisations, students, researchers, teachers and policymakers. Together, we exchange knowledge and ideas. We reflect on if we are giving substance to topics such as 'fair energy transition', ’local food systems’ and 'spaces for mental strength' in the right way.

Find the outcomes of the festival at the bottom of this page.

See project members