Alliance Utrecht-Eindhoven-Wageningen

Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, Eindhoven University of Technology and the UMC Utrecht University Medical Centre work together in a unique way. Unique because of the complementarity of available knowledge and talent. We believe that solutions to the major challenges for our future can only be achieved if there is intensive collaboration across the boundaries of knowledge, institutions and programmes. As a result of this collaboration, our scientists and students are strongly focused on breakthroughs in research and to help solve a number of major issues for society.

Focus on impact

Together we achieve the broadest combination of knowledge and within this we choose to focus on young top talent and those areas where we can have the most impact, namely the necessary system transitions on energy, nutrition, health and circular society, among others.

We will make joint investments in this area. We work across the borders of the institutions, certainly also with partners outside our organisations, thus developing an ecosystem where talented people can find each other to solve the currently unimaginable problem.

Proposals for initiatives are first expected in two areas. Artificial Intelligence, everyone develops and makes use of science from their own institution. We believe that together we are stronger on this new subject. And Molecular Life Sciences, we bring together the world leaders on this subject that each institution has in house for even more impact.

Core concepts: space, creativity and impact

With this collaboration, we are even stronger in achieving mission-driven knowledge development based on science, which helps to solve social problems. We challenge young scientists and students to push their boundaries together. We facilitate them optimally by giving them the space to develop new insights beyond the boundaries of their knowledge. The core of the approach is to let the curiosity of the scientists take the lead and not to limit them with publication objectives.

We bring together teams that are given room to develop cooperation on the themes mentioned above. These can be interdisciplinary research links, but also groups of students working on a graduation project through challenge-based education or teams that improve support processes and facilities. Employees and students can come up with ideas, and the boards can choose the subjects for which groups are actually formed. The way in which the teams work is not determined in advance; space, creativity and impact are key concepts in this collaboration.

The collaboration is daring. The results are uncertain and unpredictable. We see such an approach as necessary to contribute to the transitions that society is facing.

Utrecht-Eindhoven-Wageningen contact

  • Alieke Bloem

    Policy Adviser
    University Corporate Offices - Student & Academic Affairs Office - Research - Research Policy