The University of Amsterdam published its Research Perspective in late 2006. This Research Perspective maps out the key aspects of the course the UvA will take in terms of research in the coming years. These key features have been included in the 2007-2010 Strategic Plan.

The Research Perspective can be downloaded in PDF format at the link below.

Summary

Three basic assumptions define the University of Amsterdam’s research profile:

1. The UvA is a top-quality research university;
2. The UvA nurtures its research talent;
3. Research at the UvA is driven by curiosity and has social relevance.

This means that at the UvA, the selection of research priority areas is inspired chiefly by the researcher’s interests, without losing sight of the social context. Interfaculty, interdisciplinary research and innovative research are especially encouraged.

The quality of UvA research is monitored using internal and external assessments. The results of these assessments form the foundation for research policy. The UvA promotes a policy of conducting research within a national context. To stimulate research quality, the UvA will provide incentives for research groups that perform well.

Excellent researchers are needed for excellent research quality. The UvA wants to recognise and invest in research talent in the early stages. That is why the University encourages its students to carry out research as early as possible and research Master’s programmes are being developed for all disciplines. It is expected that these measures will improve the link with the doctorate programmes. In order to ensure an optimum link-up with doctoral programmes and achieve better doctorate results while reducing the amount of time needed for obtaining a doctorate, research Master’s programmes will be run by the Graduate Schools. By facilitating increased transfer options, the UvA becomes an more appealing employer.

The UvA’s research perspective is positioned in a national and international context. At the international level, the European Union has the ambition to develop into one of most dynamic and competitive knowledge societies in the world by 2010. Similarly, the Netherlands has set itself the goal of becoming one of the three most competitive economies in the European Union by 2010. Universities need to capitalise on the government’s wish for increased competition between universities as well as more focus and substance in research. The latter requires more intensive cooperation between universities.