In the first week of July, our Research Fellows embarked on a retreat in the picturesque town of Otterlo. Amidst the backdrop of refreshing swims in the pool, basking in the warm sun, and afternoon forest strolls, our Fellows engaged in a dynamic and inspiring experience.
Teambuilding with insightful ideas for the future
The retreat commenced with a reflection where they evaluated the past year together with Eveline van Leeuwen, Scientific Director of AMS Institute, setting the stage for the development of innovative ideas to address existing and forthcoming challenges within the community. This introspective journey led our research fellows to develop a collective vision for our RF community. Together, they kindled a renewed sense of motivation to extend collaborative efforts beyond existing meetings, seeking to connect more meaningfully with each other and the broader world beyond academic bubbles. Their joint visions and objectives have since been defined into actionable steps, which are now being implemented.
Amidst their planned sessions, there were ample opportunities to bond and forge connections. From 'forest bathing' in the woods, to cooking together, or engaging in spirited board games, they built the community beyond academic interests.
To summarize, the Otterlo retreat was a multi-faceted experience that blended reflection, inspiration, and connection, leaving our Research Fellows ready to embrace the new academic year, and to tackle the various challenges they are working on in Amsterdam.
Who are the Research Fellows?
The RF community is a vibrant group of people working on diverse projects within or together with AMS Institute. The group constantly changes and develops, looking for ways to collaborate, combining valuable insight from different disciplines to tackle complex issues. AMS Institute boosts connections between research fellows and others that aim to enhance innovation and creativeness, and bridge different discipline and research themes. By working together, our research fellows conduct urban research for the benefit of Amsterdam and cities worldwide.
Researchers at AMS Institute are usually directly part of AMS Institute or affiliated through projects via the founding partners of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technical University of Delft, Wageningen University & Research or through the City of Amsterdam. However, the door is always open to researchers from other institutes to exchange ideas.
Research Fellows enhance the scientific integrity of AMS Institute, aiding research, and education initiatives by sharing academic insights with the Research and Innovation Teams of AMS, and making active contributions to the MSc MADE program.
Mission, Way of Working and Interdisciplinarity
At AMS Institute, researchers engage in challenge-driven research focused on addressing urban issues in Amsterdam. Their primary goal is to conduct rigorous scientific investigations aimed at tackling contemporary challenges facing the city and its inhabitants. To support our Research Fellows (RFs), we provide a comprehensive framework that includes workshops, skill-sharing sessions, open discussions, and guidance.
Our approach to collaboration is structured to create a lasting impact, enabling RFs to move beyond their research topics. We actively encourage interdisciplinary interaction to foster a diversity of perspectives among our RFs. Exchange of ideas, and collaboration on joint research projects are commonplace, and inspire our RFs to share their research findings, innovative concepts, and personal insights with one another.
The RF community is built on principles of openness, inclusivity, and fostering personal connections. Research fellows come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, possess various skills and unique interests. This diversity greatly contributes to solving urban challenges and is something we take pride in at AMS Institute. To realise it, a welcoming environment where researchers can grow both academically and personally, is crucial. We aim to strengthen this environment even more in the future.
“The RF's community is an essential part of AMS Institute. Not only do the RF's bring in new and fresh ideas, they also truly bridge the academic world with the city of Amsterdam through their research with PI’s and the R&I team and through their outreach activities.”
Eveline van Leeuwen
Scientific Director
The RF community is built on principles of openness, inclusivity, and fostering personal connections. Research fellows come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, possess various skills and unique interests. This diversity greatly contributes to solving urban challenges and is something we take pride in at AMS Institute. To realise it, a welcoming environment where researchers can grow both academically and personally, is crucial. We aim to strengthen this environment even more in the future.
Get to know our Research Fellows
With the data visualizations underneath, you can get to know our Research Fellows even better!
Data visualization of the expertise of our Research Fellows.
Data visualization of the different themes our Research Fellows are working on.
Sneak peek into the next year
During the retreat, our research fellows recognized that weekly interactions often lacked depth. To address this, they introduced two solutions for the upcoming year.
Research Sprints
Every two to three weeks on Thursdays, research fellows will be randomly grouped into teams. Each RF will present their project, outlining its status and any challenges they're facing. Based on the urgency of these challenges, one RF will kick off the discussion by presenting their project and hurdles. The other participants will provide open, honest, and constructive feedback.
RF Meeting Sessions
One of the changes for the next year is the addition of monthly meetings where often an (external) speaker is invited and updates of AMS Institute are shared. These meetings will help the RF's to plan group activities and align in future steps.
Aside from this, the Regular weekly RF meetings will be altered to create a more relaxed and social atmosphere. For example, by sharing meals together.
Our Research Fellows also aim to connect with people outside of AMS Institute more actively. This will happen through active involvement in next year’s Scientific Conference at AMS Institute, but also the organization of dedicated symposia.
With these initiatives we strive to strengthen our community, enhance the quality of our research discussions, and promote a more collaborative and supportive Research Fellow community. Stay tuned for an exciting year ahead!
