What we do

How do we determine our research themes?

Every two years we determine which issues require attention. We do this after input from the public and our board. The Rathenau Instituut is unique in combining expertise in broad areas of research with an understanding of how science is actually practiced and how science, technology and innovation are embedded in society. That means that it is adept at analysing and managing the many different factors involved in an issue. 

Our work programme

Society is facing major challenges. The effects of climate change are becoming more perceptible: from droughts to floods, and from heat waves to degradation of biodiversity. We are living longer, but for many of us that means living longer in poorer health. There
are staff shortages in the health and education sectors, putting essential services under strain. And with the war in Ukraine, Europe is also under geopolitical strain. Adding up all these challenges, one sees a society confronted by a number of key choices. With its Work Programme for 2025-2026., the Rathenau Instituut aims over the next two years to clarify how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can contribute to finding solutions to these challenges that society is facing.

In the coming years, we will pursue that aim by addressing four themes:

• Digitalisation
• Climate
• Health
• Knowledge and innovation for transitions

International collaboration

The societal aspects of technology, science and innovation often have an international dimension. Therefore, the Rathenau Instituut often collaborates internationally. Read more about our International collaboration.

Research at request

Besides the research we do for our own work programme, we sometimes do research at the request of third parties. Examples of these are ministries, governments, and public organisations. Read more about our research at request.