Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a year with unexpected surprises and challenges. In these new and dynamic times, like everyone, we had to find new ways of working, new ways to team up.
Science to re-invent cities
These times also emphasize why it’s so important for science to be an integral part of urban development and the major urban transition topics. With knowledge, education and new technologies we can make our cities resilient, sustainable and just, and help our cities to build back better.
This is exactly what AMS Institute does: through research & innovation, education and entrepreneurship we design solutions in the city, with the city and for the city and its citizens. We call this ‘re-inventing cities’.
“Distance took on a whole new meaning and the attractive high-density inner city of Amsterdam suddenly became a different place. Like everyone, we had to adapt, be flexible and creative.”
“We developed all kinds of new ways to interact, to do research, to teach, to define what really matters, for ourselves and for the city. So that we could keep doing what we are good at: re- inventing the city.”
Kenneth Heijns
Managing Director
Our 2020 highlights
We are proud to hereby share AMS Institute’s Annual Report 2020, and are delighted to report about the many exciting highlights of the past year. It provides a very vivid presentation of how we are active and connected in the heart of the city and its urban challenges.
Social Distancing Dashboard ©TU Delft/AMS Institute
The Social Distancing Dashboard shows on a street and neighborhood level if social distance rules can be respected when moving in public space.
MSc MADE graduates © Studio Chevalier
With our second cohort of MSc MADE graduating, the city of Amsterdam gained 15 bright minds who are eager to tackle urban challenges.
AMS Institute's Makerspace © Mublio
This year we ran our first edition of the AMS Startup Booster. The program focuses on early-stage startups that want to make an impact on city life and solve metropolitan challenges.
Everything that we accomplished in 2020 would have been unimaginable if not for the vast amount of expertise, effort, and enthusiasm brought to the institute by all the people we work with. And therefore – if not yet already involved – we would like to encourage you to dive into the opportunities that AMS Institute offers to connect science with the city and truly design solutions with impact.
“Our Annual Report 2020 provides a comprehensive overview of the institute and shares a selection of our research projects, education programs, living labs, startup programs, new urban solutions and the role our partners play in all these joint activities.”
Stephan van Dijk
Director of Innovation
Our statement of account required by the Standards for Remunaration Act (in Dutch WNT), can be read here.