Centre for International Cooperation of VU Amsterdam - CIS-VU Member

Ever since it was founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has been known for its distinctive approach to knowledge. VU Amsterdam is an research oriented university, strongly linked to people and society. What matters is not just the acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge, but also a wider one. We ask and expect our students, researchers, PhD candidates and employees to look further – to look further than their own interests and their own field, and further than what is familiar and further than the here and now.

The Centre for International Cooperation of VU Amsterdam (CIS-VU) facilitates, supports and coordinates these efforts and has relevant links to a vast international network of partners in developing and emerging countries: academic institutions, small and medium enterprises, industry partners and civil society. CIS-VU is a central hub in Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, linking up researchers and professionals to innovative projects. 

CIS has working experience in more than 50 countries worldwide. The themes in which CIS-VU operates are in line with the profiling themes of VU and involve sustainable development, governance, social inclusiveness, FNS and sustainable land management, health, ICT for development, conflict resolution and mediation. 

Our approach is people-centered, participatory and adaptive, aimed at creating long-lasting partnerships of collaboration, which can connect the world of science and technology to the needs of local communities, academic partners and organizations in developing countries.