| Mission |
The Institute for Environmental Studies (Instituut voor Milieuvraagstukken, IVM) is an interdisciplinary research institute at VU University that sits within the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW). IVM was the first environmental research institute in a Dutch university. Since its creation in 1971, we have built up considerable experience in dealing with the complexities of environmental problems. Our multidisciplinary research is organised in four departments: Chemistry and Biology, Environmental Economics, Environmental Policy and Governance and Spatial Analysis and Decision Support. IVM's mission is to contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection 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. |