Over the course of twelve months, the IP Fellows will devote eight hours per week to collaborating with IIS educational developers and with one another on scalable educational formats directly linked to current research within the IP themes. This may include redesigning existing courses, establishing entirely new project courses, or contributing to future minors. 

Contributing to solutions for complex societal challenges 

Rector Magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek said: “We want all our students to have the opportunity to contribute to solving complex societal challenges. It is therefore essential to translate the IP themes into education that transcends disciplinary boundaries and involves collaboration with societal partners. The IP Fellows will provide a strong impetus for this.” 

The IP Fellows and their themes 

• Healthy Future & Sustainable Prosperity: Dr Vanessa Harris and Dr Anne Timmermans (Amsterdam UMC, Faculty of Medicine) are developing innovative education on health in relation to society and the planet. 

• Healthy Future: Dr Christian Bröer (Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences) focuses on health in daily life and societal change. 

• Sustainable Prosperity: Professor Ans Kolk (Faculty of Economics and Business) brings her expertise in international sustainability and responsible business. 

• Responsible Digital Transformations: Professor Henk W. Volberda (Faculty of Economics and Business) develops interdisciplinary education on the societal, ethical and economic aspects of digital transformation. 

• Fair and Resilient Societies: Professor Iris van Domselaar (Amsterdam Law School) works on education that strengthens moral resilience and reflective capacity in society. 

With their diverse academic backgrounds and interfaculty embedding, the fellows contribute to education that connects researchers and students around major societal challenges. 

Connecting research and education through the IIS 

The IP Fellowship Programme was developed by the IIS, which serves as the UvA’s centre of expertise for inter- and transdisciplinary education. Central to its mission is how major societal challenges – the so-called IP themes – can be translated into innovative and inspiring educational forms. By bringing together fellows from different faculties, the IIS stimulates cross-pollination between research, education, and societal practice. 

Looking ahead 

In the coming months, the fellows will start their first educational projects. In monthly meetings they will share their progress and explore opportunities for collaboration across the themes. Luca Bertolini, Scientific Director of the IIS, said: “Through these fellowships, interfaculty thematic research is translated into educational design. That supports the renewal of education at the UvA and may also generate new research questions.” 

Discover more over the coming months about the IP Fellows and their work on our website.