Athena Institute
The Athena Institute is a young and growing institute at the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW) of the VU University Amsterdam. Established in June 2002 as the Institute for Innovation and Transdisciplinary Research (IITO), it was renamed in May 2005. Its executive director is Prof. Dr. Joske Bunders.
The Athena Institute consists of two departments:
- The Department Biology and Society (B&S) is headed by Prof. Dr. Joske Bunders. Its work involves the analysis decision-making processes on innovations in order to develop effective strategies for the management of innovation processes in line with societal priorities.
- The Department of Science Communication (WTC) is headed by Dr. Jacqueline Broerse. It focuses on knowledge development for effective communication between science and society.
Mission
The mission of the Athena Institute is to develop a scientific knowledge base that can be used to promote open dialogue between science and society in order to address complex social issues (with a life science component) in a sustainable way.
Aim
The Athena Institute aims to contribute to the development of a more technologically, economically and socially sustainable society.
Activities
The activities of the Athena Institute include research, education and advice in order to address issues at the interface between science and society. The Institute plays an important role as innovator of transition processes in fields such as Biotechnology, Genomics and Health.
Research is undertaken at the following areas:
Education at Athena (VU University Amsterdam) includes:
- Master's Degree: Management, Policy Analysis and entrepreneurship
- Master Differentiation International Public Health
- Master Differentiation Science Communication
Do you want to work with the Athena Institute in the field of research or education?
Please contact us: +31 (0)20 57 87031
Staff
Education
Research
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