The role of the special chairs is to promote interaction between the organizations through developing and facilitating research and educational activities. For example, researchers based at these external organizations may also work towards a PhD at the University of Amsterdam, or MSc researchers at the University of Amsterdam may conduct research internships at the external organizations. To find out more about these organizations, the special chair holders, and ongoing activities click on the links below.

Forschungszentrum Jülich IBG-3

The Department of Ecosystem & Landscape Dynamics has, since 2015, strong complimentary research collaboration, including mutual sharing for research facilities, field sites, environmental data with the Agrosphere Institute (IBG-3) the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences of Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) in Germany. Over the last seven years, this collaboration has initiated many new joined research projects, scientific papers, field excursions and joint PhD and MSc research projects. These connections are facilitated through Prof Dr Roland Bol (FZJ) who is employed at FZJ and appointed as a special chair in Terrestrial Biogeochemistry at IBED, in which capacity he also serves on various IBED promotion committees.

Naturalis Biodiversity Centre

RIVM

RIVM, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, works towards a healthy population living in a sustainable, safe and healthy environment. RIVM pursues those goals based on independent scientific research. RIVM provides advice to the government, to professionals and to members of the public, and shares knowledge. This is how RIVM supports society in staying healthy and keeping our environment healthy.

The RIVM consists of three domains with specific knowledge and expertise: Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology (Centre for Infectious Disease Control), Environment and Safety (including environmental incident service) and Public Health and Health Services (including food and food safety). Thirteen specialist centers are based in the domains.

A strategic partnership between IBED and RIVM is ensured via Agnes Oomen, who acts as professor by special appointment on the topic ‘Chemicals and Planetary Health’. She combines working at IBED and at RIVM and facilitates information exchange and joint projects at the interface of science and policy.