Impact & Engagement

Making a difference together
The footbridge from Erasmus to the Tinbergen Building.

With Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) you gain in-depth knowledge, an extensive network and years of expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration. As an international player with strong regional roots, the university contributes to sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

Researchers and students work with societal partners on complex challenges. This approach is called Impact & Engagement: knowledge that makes a difference and collaboration that connects. 

Kralingse plas during sunset with city in the distance.
Jelte Lagendijk

Impact: knowledge that makes the difference

Research and education are increasingly embedded in society. New insights contribute to solutions for major societal challenges. From sustainability and health to digitalization and equal opportunities. By combining knowledge in these areas and seeking collaboration with social partners, the university can address complex societal problems across the full spectrum. 

The EUR was founded to meet the need for highly skilled personnel in the port of Rotterdam. Links with the bussiness community and government are engrained in the university's DNA. This is how Erasmus University makes a major impact on society, very nearby and worldwide. 

Three students looking at a map of the city.
Alexander Santos Lima

Engagement: learning and connecting

EUR sees itself as an engaged university. Everything it does is linked to society, both nationally and internationally. Vital connections to society are crucial for creating positive societal impact. that's why students are instilled with Erasmian values: they develop into engaged, open-minded global citizens.

Through dialogue with society, we increasingly understand the major challenges. Through co-creation, scientists and students translate this knowledge into scientific insights. Together with partners they collaborate closely on practical solutions. Engagement represents the reciprocal, inclusive and equal relationships the university establishes with its community.

Interested in collaborating?

Erasmus University actively seeks to connect with partners from all sectors of society.

Students give each other a hand in front of the Depot.

What can you call Erasmus University for?

The focus is on five urgent societal issues that require integral solutions. Erasmus University's knowledge and network fit in seamlessly with these impact domains.  

1. Trust in society

Trust between people and institutions is under pressure. Research and collaboration focus on restoring trust and strengthening social cohesion.  

2. Fair and sustainable economy

Prosperity goes beyond economic growth. Together with companies and social organisations, new revenue models are being developed that lead to broad prosperity and a sustainable future.

3. Just and sustainable society

A sustainable society and a healthy planet can only be achieved with major changes in energy and climate, but also in behaviour. Research supports policy and practice to promote equal opportunities and justice.  

4. Accessible and affordable healthcare

Good and fair healthcare for everyone. University and Erasmus MC contribute to this. Healthcare must remain accessible and affordable, even with a growing demand for healthcare. New health concepts support this.  

5. Safe use of smart technology

New technology, such as AI, offers opportunities and risks. Research focuses on responsible use, with an eye for ethical, social and economic effects.  

The White House in Rotterdam's Old Harbour.
Jonathan van Rijn

Team Impact & Engagement

Team Impact & Engagement streamlines the engagement between the university and society in all domains. Would you like to engage with Erasmus University? Contact Strategic Dean Arwin van Buuren and team Impact & engagement at strategicdean@eur.nl.

Engagement Board

The Engagement Board provides the university with strategic advice on strengthening its social involvement. The Board ensures knowledge sharing and the anchoring of knowledge sharing throughout the university. The Engagement Board can be reached via strategicdean@eur.nl.

The Social advisory council

The social advisory council (De Maatschappelijke Raad van Advies, MRA) consists of social partners. It provides advice on societal impact. This is how the EUR brings society in. The MRA ensures connection with the broader social field. In addition, the MRA advises the university on long-term developments and the strategic direction of the university. The MRA can be reached via strategidean@eur.nl

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