Institute of Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit (IVM)

The Institute for Environmental Studies was founded in 1971 and it has since built up considerable experience in dealing with the complexities of environmental problems. The multidisciplinary research institute is organised in four departments: Chemistry and Biology, Environmental Economics, Environmental Policy and Governance and Spatial Analysis and Decision Support. Researchers also participate in twelve thematic research clusters.

The institute’s mission is to contribute to sustainable development and care for the environment through scientific research and teaching. A unique feature of the institute is the capacity to conduct environmental studies in their societal and economic context by integrating natural and social science perspectives.