The UvA will be focusing more on its relative position in the implementation of its research policy, with the uniqueness and the intellectual footprint of UvA research being the guiding principle. This relates to the specific input and UvA perspective within the scientific disciplines, and may include an emphasis on specific subjects or a focus on specific methods, working within specific paradigms, a multi- or interdisciplinary approach, etc. The research strategy for the coming years will place more emphasis on that intellectual footprint as a foundation for positioning UVA research.

Specifically, this means that:

• Faculties and research institutes will be formulating priorities based on their competitive advantage: the areas that allow the UvA stand out in global terms both currently and in the future.
• There will be explicit focus on the innovation of research and the way in which we can facilitate such innovation. In this context, the UvA will focus even more on interdisciplinary cooperation, as this can be an important source of innovation.
• A greater commitment to team science within the university. A sharper definition of complementary roles within a group of researchers will be allow for more flexibility for projects or pathways that are of strategic importance to the research group or institute.
• Greater collaboration with external parties; increasing participation in national and international networks and consortia aimed at acquiring external funds.

Part of a more strategic positioning of research is to more effectively connect UvA research to societal issues. Although much of the research carried out at the UvA is already inspired by social or economic issues, the UvA is keen to increase its involvement with civic organisations and issues. The key principle is that academic research and social issues should reinforce one another.

Specifically, this means:

• The development and/or continuation of sustainable strategic relationships with civic organisations/businesses, for example in long-term research projects, in cluster organisations and in formulating social research agendas.
• Specifically, we will be focusing more on more effectively embedding the UvA in various networks in and around Amsterdam.
• Developing the profile of UvA research in terms of attractive themes. This profile will help enhance visibility both with respect to civic partners and the general public. In addition, the profile will contribute to providing insight into the social relevance of the research conducted at the UvA and, as such, will also contribute to its public legitimacy.

In order to carry out high-quality research, state-of-the-art research facilities are more important than ever. The UvA will continue to invest in specific research facilities at the various campuses. The aim is to provide excellent facilities for researchers, partly by concentrating research facilities and infrastructure (in Amsterdam).

Specifically, this means:

• Investing in advanced IT infrastructure that optimally facilitates the researchers at the UvA and lowers the thresholds for use. Developing a cloud infrastructure that provides networking, computing capacity and data storage during the various research phases.
• Developing a Data Science Centre (DSC) aimed at further professionalising data-driven research at the UvA. The DSC will enrich and innovate UvA research through the development and application of data science.
• More effective use of existing facilities and infrastructure by both internal and external parties.

Academic integrity, or research integrity, is a prerequisite for the quality of the research and for scientific progress. The UvA endorses the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity of the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) and the principles of honesty, scrupulousness, transparency, independence and responsibility, and the duty of care referred to therein.

The UvA shares the view that open science promotes scientific progress and supports the goals of open science. However, the UvA considers it vital that open science offers real added value for science and does not harm the interests of the UvA and its researchers.

Secifically, this means that:

• The UvA will be providing a working environment in which good research practices are promoted and safeguarded, and will be focusing on the implementation of the comprehensive recommendations of a UvA Working Group on Honest Academic Practices.
• Both in a national and international context, the UvA will take a proactive approach and communicate the transition to open science as taking shape in a way that advances and enhances university research.
• In the context of 'recognition and reward', the UvA will review current evaluation and reward systems with the aim of achieving a more balanced evaluation of its staff, with less emphasis on quantitative indicators of individual achievements.
• A balanced personnel policy also means a type of policy that is more focused on diversity within research groups. This means that the UvA will continue to focus on the diversity of the backgrounds of all researchers and women in more senior research positions.