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EMGO in 2013 Annual Report
EMGO+ in 2013 Annual Report
Colophon & Credits Printed matter: VUmc DPC/Huisdrukkerij Circulation: 400 Paper size: Executive (184 x 267 mm) Location & date: Amsterdam, May 2014
Design & layout: Evelien de Boer Photography: Ton Dijkstra / Martijn Schuit / Joop Niesink Images: Shutterstock.com / Wordle.net Cover images: Shutterstock.com
Contact EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research Van der Boechorststraat 7 1081 BT Amsterdam
Phone
+31 (0)20 444 8180
secretariaat.emgo@vumc.nl
Website
www.emgo.nl
CONTENTS P REFACE ......................................................................................................7 1.
R ESEARCH AREA ...........................................................................................9 Lifestyle, Overweight, and Diabetes .......................................... 10 Mental Health ......................................................................... 11 Quality of Care........................................................................ 12 Musculoskeletal Health ............................................................ 13
2.
O RGANIZATION ......................................................................................... 14
3.
C OMPOSITION ........................................................................................... 18
4.
R ESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AND EMBEDDING ................................................ 21
5.
Q UALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE ........................................................ 23 LOD — 2013 highlights and key publications ............................. 23 MH — 2013 highlights and key publications .............................. 25 QoC — 2013 highlights and key publications ............................. 26 MSH — 2013 highlights and key publications............................. 28 Affiliated member: Athena Institute……………………………………… 29 Triple-E, ACA and LASA ........................................................................ 30
6.
E DUCATION AND T RAINING : E PID M ........................................................... 33
7.
Q UALITY CONTROL .................................................................................... 35 Science Committee .................................................................. 35 Quality Committee .................................................................. 36 PhD Committee ....................................................................... 36 Methodological expertise centers ............................................. 37
8.
S CIENTIFIC OUTPUT ................................................................................... 39
9.
E ARNING CAPACITY ................................................................................... 43
10.
A CADEMIC REPUTATION ............................................................................ 45
11.
S OCIETAL IMPACT ..................................................................................... 47
12.
SWOT A NALYSIS ...................................................................................... 50
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 6
PREFACE In this 2013 annual report we look back on a very successful year of the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research (EMGO+). Our scientific output has increased beyond the level of the past years. We obtained nearly € 6 million more research support from external grant agencies than last year, despite the continued constraints on research funding. Because our research is directly connected to societally relevant questions we are confident that sufficient funding opportunities for EMGO + researchers will present themselves nationally and internationally, but we are equally certain that we need to actively support our researchers in connecting to the grand challenges of the Horizon 2020 agenda of the European Union and in reaching out for public private partnerships as viable new routes to support future science. The governance of our institute is characterized by a ‘flat’ organization with broad involvement of the key opinion leaders (e.g. department heads, program directors, full professors and professors by special appointment) in major policy issues, and an institute-wide involvement in major quality control cycles. A lean administrative structure is maintained for day-to-day management in spite of the continued growth in the EMGO + membership (tallied at six hundred thirty-nine at the time of this report). In this annual report we present with pride and pleasure the core information about who we are, what we do, what we strive for, and what we have accomplished. You will find the information organized in a largely similar way as in 2012. This reflects the standardization and harmonization of the annual report cycle across all VU University / VU University Medical Center research institutes, using the Standard Evaluation Protocol 2009-2015 of the Royal Dutch Academy of Science (KNAW) as the main guideline. We hope you will enjoy reading this report! Yours sincerely, On behalf of the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research,
Prof. Eco de Geus, PhD Director
Prof. Henriette van der Horst, MD, PhD Prof. Willem van Mechelen, MD, PhD Vice-director Vice-director
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Figure 1: Wordcloud of all international refereed EMGO+ articles in 2013
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1
RESEARCH AREA
Mission and objectives The EMGO+ Institute is a transdisciplinary research institute that brings together more than six hundred researchers from departments of three different science communities, i.e. from the VU University Medical Center, and the VU University Faculties of Psychology and Education, and Earth and Life Sciences. The current EMGO+ mission is to generate, conduct and publish excellent research of international standing to improve public and occupational health, mental health care, primary care, rehabilitation and long-term care. In the above fields, the EMGO+ Institute’s objectives are to: Strengthen the evidence-base for the current practice in prevention and care Perform cutting-edge research to innovate prevention and care Develop new methodology in study design, instrumentation and analyses Provide advanced education and training for researchers and researcherpractitioners EMGO+ focuses on applied and strategic research involving issues that are relevant for public and occupational health, mental health, primary care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Many studies are either executed within large population-based cohorts or in public health and extramural medical practice settings, such as general practices, nursing homes, specialized mental health care organizations, residential homes for the elderly, schools, worksites and occupational health care settings. EMGO + studies include observational research and intervention studies and are always focused on health outcomes to enable the promotion of evidence-based medical practice. Many studies are conducted within so-called Academic Collaborative Centers, i.e. formal collaborations between EMGO+ and practice settings to conduct practice-based research of strong methodological rigor.
Programs All research projects carried out at EMGO+ are embedded in one or more of our four research programs, three of which link to the main burdens of disease in the Netherlands as well as internationally: 1. Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes (LOD) 2. Mental Health (MH) 3. Musculoskeletal Health (MSH) whereas projects in the fourth program 4. Quality of Care (QoC) focus on how to optimize physician-patient communication and decision making, increase patient participation, and improve the safety of care in the above mentioned disease areas as well as in cancer.
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Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes Mission Overweight and Diabetes are two of the main public health problems of our society and are strongly linked to common Lifestyle determinants such as physical inactivity and poor dietary habits. Physical inactivity and overweight are also main factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease. This research program is aiming to curb the obesity and diabetes epidemics by identification of the primary lifestyle and biological determinants and by evaluation of efficient ways to improve lifestyle both as a way to prevent disease and in the context of chronic disease management.
Program directors: Prof. Giel Nijpels, MD, PhD and Prof. Marjolein Visser, PhD [photo: Ton Dijkstra]
Specific research themes 1.
2.
3.
Pathophysiology and epidemiology of overweight and diabetes. This theme includes experimental and epidemiological studies of the biological, genetic and behavioral determinants of overweight and diabetes and their potential interrelations. Prevention of overweight and diabetes. Research projects pertaining to this theme aim to modify unhealthy lifestyles with a particular emphasis on improving dietary intake and promoting or increasing physical activity and reducing sedentariness. Care for patients with overweight and diabetes. Projects addressing the effectiveness and efficiency of health care aimed at chronic disease management of obesity and type-2 diabetes are central in this theme.
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Mental Health Mission Common mental disorders have a major impact on public health and are among the conditions with the worldwide highest disease burden. By conducting observational as well as intervention studies, the Mental Health program contributes to a better evidence-base for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in order to improve mental health in the population.
Program directors: Prof. Brenda Penninx, PhD and Prof. Hans Koot, PhD [photo: Martijn Schuit]
Specific research themes 1.
2.
3.
Epidemiology of mental health. This theme includes observational research in the community setting, the general practice setting as well as the mental health care setting that increases our knowledge of the occurrence, the determinants and consequences of mental health disorders. Prevention and treatment of mental disorders. This theme refers to research that contributes to evidence-based information on innovative prevention and treatment interventions to improve mental health and reduce associated disability. Developmental perspective in mental health. This theme refers to research that specifically examines developmental trajectories of psychopathology across the lifespan.
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Quality of Care Mission A long healthy life requires not only disease-specific prevention and care, but also attention for more generic themes such as effective health communication, taking patient perspectives into account in prevention and care, and patient safety issues. In the Quality of Care program, research focuses on the organization of care, for example regulations for end-oflife care; on health care professionals, for example educational programs in genetics, and on individual health care consumers, for example the quality of life of chronically ill and information needed to make health decisions.
Program directors: Prof. Bregje Onwuteaka-Philipsen, PhD and Prof. Sophia Kramer, PhD [photo: Ton Dijkstra]
Specific research themes 1.
2.
3.
Health, Communication and Decision Making. Research concentrates on improving the quality of information about e.g. health risks and treatments, and improving the communication between patients and doctors in order to enable health care consumers and patients to have the role in the decision making process regarding their treatment. Disease, Disability and Participation. Research focuses on personal factors and environmental factors that might hinder or help maintaining functional autonomy and quality of life of people with chronic illness or a disability. Effectiveness and Safety of Care. Describing and monitoring the quality and safety of both prevention and care is the focus of this theme. Important topics are the development and subsequent testing of specific quality indicators as well as the effectiveness of interventions to improve collaboration between professionals or organization of care in order to optimize quality and safety of care. Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 12
Musculoskeletal Health Mission To improve Musculoskeletal Health and to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders the Musculoskeletal Health program seeks knowledge about the development and lifelong maintenance of a healthy musculoskeletal system and about the occurrence, prognosis, prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The goals are to initiate, conduct and publish excellent research that contributes to evidencebased practice on musculoskeletal disorders and health in the settings of public health, occupational health, primary and secondary health care, rehabilitation practice.
Program directors: Prof. Allard van der Beek, PhD and Prof. Raymond Ostelo, PhD [photo: Ton Dijkstra]
Specific research themes Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders Treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
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2
ORGANIZATION
Figure 2: Organization of the EMGO + Institute
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2
ORGANIZATION +
Strategic management of the EMGO Institute lies with the Executive Board consisting of the Director and two members selected from the heads of the departments participating in the EMGO+ Institute. Figure 2 outlines the organization of the EMGO + Institute. The Executive Board answers to the Board of Deans representing the VU University Medical Center, VU University Faculty Earth and Life Sciences, and VU University Faculty Psychology and Education. Strategic advice on positioning of the institute in the national and international context is obtained from the External Advisory Board, the composition of which is shown in table 1. Name
Affiliation
Prof. dr. S.E. Buitendijk Prof. dr. R. van Dyck (chair)
University of Leiden Vice Rector Magnificus VU University Medical Center Emeritus professor Psychiatry, former head of the department of Psychiatry
Prof. dr. V.W.M. van Hinsbergh
The Institute for Cardiovascular Research of the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam (ICaR-VU) Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) / Maastricht University
Director VUmc Research Institute
Dr. H. Kroneman
Department for Social Benefits (UWV)
Chief Medical Officer
Prof. dr. K. Stronks
Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam
Head of the department of Social Medicine, Amsterdam Medical Center
Dr. Ir. M.N. Pieters
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Director Public Health and Health Services
Prof. dr. J.A. Knottnerus
Function
Chair WRR / Professor of General Medicine
Table 1: Advisory Board of the EMGO + institute
Intercollegiate connectivity with the directors of the four other VUmc research institutes is realized by VUmc Research Council membership of the EMGO+ director. The Research Council, headed by the VUmc dean, takes responsibility for general research policy and the research infrastructure of the VUmc. The Research Council also provides advice to the VUmc Executive Board on how to spend the ex-ante research funding part of the VUmc performance-based funding model. Intercollegiate connectivity with the directors of the other VU research institutes is realized by participation of the EMGO + director in the biannual discussion of general VU research policy of the Rector with all research institute directors and the Faculty research directors.
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2
VU VU VU VU VU
ORGANIZATION Departments
Head of department
Research staff (in numbers)
Research staff (in FTE)
FALW Health Sciences (incl. Nutrition and Health) FPP Biological Psychology FPP Clinical Psychology FPP Developmental Psychology FPP Orthopedagogy
Maurits van Tulder
60
27,7
Dorret Boomsma Pim Cuijpers Hans Koot Carlo Schuengel
26 52 26 31
12,4 25,7 13,7 10,7
195
90,1
Stephan Loer Hanne MeijersHeijboer Noortje Swart
3 20
1,9 10,1
1
0,3
Johannes Brug Henriëtte van der Horst Mark Kramer
57 61
31,3 34,3
11
5,4
Guy Widdershoven Frank Snoek Gea Vermeulen Christianne de Groot Stevie Tan René Leemans
38 10 11 2 8 17
17,0 6,7 7,3 0,9 4,0 6,7
Hans van Goudoever
24
11,0
Aartjan Beekman Willem van Mechelen Vincent de Groot
59 126 15
21,7 61,4 4,6
total VUmc
463
224,7
total
658 *
314,8
total VU VUmc Anesthesiology VUmc Clinical Genetics (incl. Community Genetics) VUmc Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacy VUmc Epidemiology & Biostatistics VUmc General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine VUmc Internal Medicine (incl. Endocrinology; Nutrition and Dietetics) VUmc Medical Humanities VUmc Medical Psychology VUmc Midwifery Science VUmc Obstetrics & Gynaecology VUmc Ophthalmology VUmc Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery VUmc Pediatrics (incl. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) VUmc Psychiatry VUmc Public & Occupational Health VUmc Rehabilitation Medicine
*19 researchers are employed by two departments, so grand total of EMGO+ researchers is 639. Table 2: Departments participating in the EMGO + institute in 2013 Total numbers and FTE's include 29 visiting professors/professors by special appointment of 2,24 FTE, 12 visiting researchers of 0,1 FTE, and 20 external PhD students of 0,95 FTE.
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2
ORGANIZATION
Day-to-day management The Director and the Manager assisted by administrative support staff and three Committees carry out the day-to-day management of the institute. The Science Committee discusses and approves all project proposals and consists of a mix of midcareer and senior scientists representing EMGO + scientific and methodological expertise. The quality officer chairs the Quality Committee. Their role is to introduce all EMGO+ researchers to the quality guidelines laid down in the EMGO + quality handbook (http://www.emgo.nl/kc/), to advise on policies regarding scientific quality and integrity, and to perform yearly audits of research projects. The PhD Committee organizes the introductory day for PhDs, maintains a buddy system for PhDs, and reviews the PhD training- and education plans. It also produces PhD handbooks with tips and tricks, including the recently produced ‘Draaiboek einde promotie’ to guide students through the final six months of their PhD project.
Program directors The eight program directors provide the scientific leadership of the institute. Per program two directors ensure sufficient interfaculty cross talk and scientific focus within the program. Together with the Executive Board they facilitate productivity in scientific and societal output as well as in external fund raising. Broad support for scientific and strategic policy is ensured through quarterly meetings of the Executive Board and program directors with the Management Committee that consists of the heads of participating departments (listed in table 2).
Multidisciplinary nature of the institute The multidisciplinary nature of the EMGO+ Institute is amply illustrated by the diversity of the participating departments listed in table 2. At the VU University the largest contribution comes from the Health Sciences and Clinical Psychology departments, whereas at the VU University Medical Center the departments of Public and Occupational Health, General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Midwifery Science, Medical Humanities, and Psychiatry are the largest contributors in keeping with the extramural roots of the institute. However, there is also a strong contribution of a diversity of clinical departments (e.g. Clinical Genetics, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine) reflecting the importance of clinical evaluation research and evidence-based practice in trans- and intramural research.
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3
COMPOSITION
The total number of scientific personnel in 2013 was 639 amounting to 315 full time research fte committed to the EMGO + Institute. The VU University Medical Center is the largest contributor with ~225 research fte, followed by Psychology and Education (~62 research fte) and Earth and Life Sciences (~28 research fte). The ratio VU / VUmc formation in fte is 29% / 71%. The break down per job category is provided in table 3. Tenured staff includes professors, associate professors/senior lecturers, assistant professors/lecturers, and senior researchers; non-tenured staff includes junior researchers and postdocs; PhD students consist of standard PhDs (employed) and contract PhDs (externally or internally funded, but not employed). To provide a historical context, the data from previous years has been added. EMGO+ Tenured staff Non-tenured staff PhD students Total research staff Support staff Total staff
2008 52,2 58,8 65,2 176,2 49,6 225,8
2009 54,8 94,7 97,3 246,8 62,9 309,7
2010 74,0 101,7 109,4 285,0 n/a 285,0
2011 74,9 99,4 117,3 291,5 n/a 291,5
2012 63,8 101,1 133,8 298,7 46,3 345,0
2013 74,5 101,9 138,4 314,8 53,3 368,1
Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes Tenured staff Non-tenured staff PhD students Total research staff
2008 14,4 14,0 22,6 51,0
2009 13,3 29,2 23,6 66,1
2010 16,3 29,6 26,3 72,2
2011 15,5 31,3 23,8 70,6
2012 16,1 23,2 21,1 60,4
2013 20,0 23,6 22,2 65,8
Mental Health Tenured staff Non-tenured staff PhD students Total research staff
2008 9,9 9,2 18,7 37,8
2009 16,3 27,0 40,1 83,4
2010 22,7 28,7 45,8 97,2
2011 22,6 19,8 53,1 95,5
2012 22,5 33,3 46,2 102,0
2013 24,7 29,2 49,1 102,9
Quality of Care Tenured staff Non-tenured staff PhD students Total research staff
2008 14,6 22,8 15,0 52,4
2009 14,3 23,0 19,6 56,9
2010 19,3 27,5 20,0 66,8
2011 22,5 36,1 20,7 79,3
2012 14,3 36,1 42,7 93,1
2013 19,4 41,4 41,0 101,9
Musculoskeletal Health Tenured staff Non-tenured staff PhD students Total research staff
2008 13,2 12,8 8,9 34,9
2009 10,9 15,5 14,0 40,4
2010 15,7 15,8 17,3 48,9
2011 14,2 12,3 19,7 46,2
2012 10,9 8,6 23,8 43,2
2013 10,4 7,7 26,1 44,2
Table 3 (SEP 5.2) Total research fte for the institute and per program in 2013
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3
COMPOSITION
The EMGO+ Institute again showed a modest growth in personnel in 2013. The increase in total tenured research fte can be partly attributed to the incorporation of the department of Medical Humanities, which was still incomplete in 2012. The full list of the six hundred thirty-nine EMGO+ researchers is provided in appendix 1. To unambiguously define EMGO+ researchers the following definitions, in accordance with the VU University guidelines, were used throughout: An EMGO+ researcher is any tenured or untenured academic personnel that has been listed as part of EMGO+ by one of the department heads in table 2, or takes part in an EMGO+ project, where An EMGO+ project is any project that has been reviewed by the Science Committee and positively judged to fit the EMGO + research programs and to be of sufficient scientific and methodological quality. For each EMGO+ researcher the department head is asked to indicate the total amount of time (in fte) that the researcher spends on EMGO + projects; this is the basis of the research fte in table 3. We compare the indicated research time to the mean research time for the rank of the researcher (e.g. postdoc 100%; assistant professor, 60%; associate professor, 40%; full professor, 30%) and ask the heads of department for confirmation in case of a large deviation.
Selection of participants The above-mentioned definitions also largely determine how researchers are selected to be part of the EMGO+ Institute. Selection is primarily based on the department to which the individual belongs, where the individual must also be participating in one or more projects approved by the Science Committee in the past three years. The selection of EMGO+ departments is done by the Executive Board, in close consultation with the Management Committee. Current EMGO+ departments have been carried forward from 2012. New departments can apply for EMGO+ membership if the bulk of their research falls in one or more of the research themes of the four programs and if they have a good track record in publication and fund raising. A good track record is defined relative to the average EMGO+ performance, using a minimum of 75% of the average over the past two years as a guideline. The Executive Board decides whether the research of the department fits the EMGO+ themes after seeking the advice of the program directors. New departments can obtain an affiliate membership status for two years (after which membership is reevaluated). During this period, neither input nor output of the affiliated groups is counted in the tables of this annual report.
Financial input Table 4 provides an overview of the various sources for financing the research personnel in the EMGO+ Institute. A total of 25% of the researchers’ salaries comes from direct University funding (‘1e lijns’). 75% comes from public funding agencies like ZonMw, NWO and the European Union, or the Ministry of Health and Welfare, or from charitable societies and charity funds like the Dutch Heart Foundation. Currently only a very small part of the total amount of fte’s is funded by industry (~1%). Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 19
3
COMPOSITION
EMGO+ Institute
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Direct funding Research staff: Research grants (RG) Research staff: Contract research (CR) Research staff: Other funding (OF) External funding (total RG + CR + OF) Total internal+external
61,0 47,4 65,2 2,6 115,2 176,2
Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Direct funding Research staff: Research grants (RG) Research staff: Contract research (CR) Research staff: Other funding (OF) External funding (total RG + CR + OF) Total internal+external
17,7 13,7 18,9 0,8 33,4 51,0
Mental Health
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Direct funding Research staff: Research grants (RG) Research staff: Contract research (CR) Research staff: Other funding (OF) External funding (total RG + CR + OF) Total internal+external
13,1 10,2 14,0 0,6 24,7 37,8
Quality of Care
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Direct funding Research staff: Research grants (RG) Research staff: Contract research (CR) Research staff: Other funding (OF) External funding (total RG + CR + OF) Total internal+external
18,1 14,1 19,4 0,8 34,2 52,4
Musculoskeletal Health
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Direct funding Research staff: Research grants (RG) Research staff: Contract research (CR) Research staff: Other funding (OF) External funding (total RG + CR + OF) Total internal+external
12,1 9,4 12,9 0,5 22,8 34,9
79,5 66,4 91,1 9,8 167,3 246,8
21,3 17,8 24,4 2,6 44,8 66,1
26,9 22,4 30,8 3,3 56,5 83,4
18,3 15,3 21,0 2,3 38,6 56,9
13,0 10,9 14,9 1,6 27,4 40,4
86,8 89,8 99,8 8,6 198,3 285,0
23,9 17,2 24,7 6,4 48,3 72,2
29,7 39,5 27,5 0,6 67,5 97,2
12,7 21,8 30,6 1,6 54,1 66,8
20,5 11,3 17,0 0,0 28,4 48,9
80,9 93,3 112,5 4,8 210,6 291,5
20,2 20,6 27,6 2,2 50,4 70,6
74,6 81,6 137,3 5,3 224,1 298,7
22,5 13,8 22,5 1,6 37,9 60,4
29,3 23,7 40,7 38,8 25,3 38,7 0,2 0,8 66,2 78,3 95,5 102,0
11,9 21,6 43,3 2,4 67,3 79,3
19,5 10,4 16,3 0,0 26,7 46,2
79,3 83,1 148,1 4,3 235,5 314,8
20,7 14,3 29,9 0,9 45,2 65,8
29,4 39,0 34,5 0,0 73,5 102,9
14,6 13,5 18,0 21,0 57,7 64,0 2,8 3,4 78,5 88,3 93,1 101,9
13,8 11,0 18,4 0,0 29,4 43,2
15,7 8,8 19,7 0,0 28,5 44,2
2013 (%) 25% 26% 47% 1% 75% 100% 2013 (%) 31% 22% 45% 1% 69% 100% 2013 (%) 29% 38% 34% 0% 71% 100% 2013 (%) 13% 21% 63% 3% 87% 100% 2013 (%) 36% 20% 45% 0% 64% 100%
Table 4 (SEP 5.4): Sources of funding of the research staff for the institute and per program (in fte)
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4 RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT AND EMBEDDING EMGO+ researchers have extensive national and international collaborations, the majority of which are academic in nature and concern joint participation in program grants (e.g. KP7 EU), multicenter trials, meta-analytic consortia, joint papers, exchange of staff and (PhD) students, European policy development, and educational modules. 59% of the 579 research collaborations are international in nature, spanning 34 different countries on all continents. Main international ties are with the USA (82 contacts), UK (64 contacts), Australia (28 contacts) and Canada, Germany and Belgium (all three 19 contacts). A word cloud of the cities to which EMGO+ is connected is shown in figure 3. The full list of recorded collaborations is provided in appendix 2.
Figure 3: International cities of the Universities, institutes, centers, and hospitals with which EMGO + researchers collaborated in 2013. Font size reflects the amount of collaborations with the same city.
There are twenty-four professors by special appointment active in the EMGO + Institute, usually on the basis of a 0.2 fte appointment. An important function of the special professorships is to link EMGO+ to non-university based research institutes and societal stakeholders in health care research, like health insurance companies, (mental) health care providers or national research institutes such as NIVEL, RIVM and TNO. In 2013 EMGO+ had five visiting professors and twelve visiting researchers all with an honorary appointment (presence at the institute is typically condensed in a few periods of weeks/ months yearly). These appointments support longstanding international collaborations or act to forge new ones. A full list of professors by special appointment and visiting professors is provided in appendix 3.
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Figure 4: Some of the universities and institutes with which EMGO + researchers collaborated in 2013
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5
QUALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE
Although not perfect, journal impact factors are regarded as the best benchmark to test the quality of the scientific output of the institute. With help of the VUmc METIS officer, we obtained the relative impact factors of all journals in which we publish using Thomson Reuter’s journal citation reports (JCR) table. This table assigns all journals to a number of domains and computes the relative ranking of the journal within its own domain. All EMGO+ publications were then classified by the rank order of the journal as belonging to the top 10% or top 25% in their respective domain. We then counted the number of publications in top 10% and top 25% for the entire institute and each of the four programs. As shown in table 5, a quarter of our publications is in the top 10% of its field and another 56% belongs to the top 25%. EMGO+ Refereed articles
LOD
1124 (100%) 259 (100%)
MH
QoC
MSH
376 (100%)
298 (100%)
191 (100%)
Top 10% impact factor
292 (26%)
62 (24%)
116 (31%)
57 (19%)
57 (30%)
Top 25% impact factor
628 (56%)
147 (57%)
232 (62%)
145 (49%)
104 (54%)
Table 5: Total number of refereed publications in 2013 and proportion in top 10% and top 25% journals in the relevant research field
Below we give a few examples of representative publications per program, as well as general scientific highlights. Taken together we conclude that our scientific output remains to be of the highest standard while maintaining a strong emphasis on applied and applicable biomedical research.
Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes 2013 Highlights Mai Chin A Paw obtained a University Research Chair professorship, which acknowledges her excellent research capacities and high potential to become a leader in her research field. We received € 9 million EU-funding for a project called MooDFOOD (PIs Ingeborg Brouwer & Marjolein Visser). MooDFOOD stands for Multi-country Collaborative project on the role of Diet, Food-related behaviour, and Obesity in the prevention of Depression. At EMGO+, both LOD and Mental Health researchers are involved in this project. See www.moodfood-VU.eu for details. The ‘determinants of diet and physical activity knowledge hub’ (DEDIPAC KH) is the first joint action of the Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) ‘A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life’. The DEDIPAC KH is a network of one hundred sixty selected research groups and scientists from twelve JPI Member States who carry out a programme of joint trans-multidisciplinary activities for a better understanding of how individual, social and environmental determinants influence food and physical activity choices. The EMGO + Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 23
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QUALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE Institute in the person of Johannes Brug is the elected coordinator of the DEDIPAC knowledge hub, supported by Hidde van der Ploeg, Jeroen Lakerveld and Anne Loyen. Cost-effectiveness of screening for retinopathy in type-2 diabetes patients can probably be improved using a personalized screening method. A dynamic prediction model will be developed to estimate retinopathy risk and to determine a personalized screening frequency. Cost-effectiveness of the personalized method will be compared to current guidelines. Amber van der Heijden, Jacqueline Dekker and Giel Nijpels received a ZonMw grant for this project. EuroFIT is EC-FP7 funded and will develop and evaluate a healthy lifestyle program (moving more, sitting less & eating healthier) provided by professional football clubs to their fans. EuroFIT will run in fifteen European football clubs, such as Arsenal, Benfica, Everton, PSV, and FC Porto. EuroFIT is led by the University of Glasgow and the EMGO + Institute is the second largest partner, responsible for the development of the RCT as well as for the execution of the RCT in the Netherlands. Hidde van der Ploeg, Willem van Mechelen and Evert Verhagen received a grant for this project.
2013 Key publications & chapters Schilp, J., Kruizenga, H.M., Wijnhoven, H.A., van Binsbergen, J.J., Visser, M. (2013). Effects of a dietetic treatment in older, undernourished, community-dwelling individuals in primary care: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 52,1939-48. Schaap, L.A., Koster, A., Visser, M. (2013). Adiposity, muscle mass and muscle strength in relation to functional decline in older persons. Epidemiology Reviews, 35 (SI): 51-65. Heijden, A.A.W.A. van der, Riet, E. van 't, Bot, S.D.M., Cannegieter, S.C., Stehouwer, C.D.A., Baan, C.A., Dekker, J.M., & Nijpels, G. (2013). Risk of a Recurrent Cardiovascular Event in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes or Intermediate Hyperglycemia in The Hoorn Study. Diabetes Care, 36 (11): 3498-3502. Waterlander, W.E., Boer, M.R. de, Schuit, A.J., Seidell, J.C. & Steenhuis, I.H.M. (2013). Price discounts significantly enhance fruit and vegetable purchases when combined with nutrition education: a randomized controlled supermarket trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 97 (4), 886895. Number of articles in top 10% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 62 Number of articles in top 25% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 147
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Mental Health 2013 Highlights Researchers from our Mental Health program obtained two new FP7 EU-projects, both led by our University. In collaboration with the LOD program, the MooDFOOD project will examine the longitudinal links between obesity and depression in available cohort studies including LASA and NESDA, and will conduct a randomized trial to examine the effects of nutritional strategies to improve mental health in persons with obesity. The E-compared project will examine the comparative effectiveness of internetbased treatments for depression in various European countries. Femke Lamers received a FP-7 Marie Curie Reintegration grant which allowed her to return to the VUmc Psychiatry department in order to continue her research career after having spent three years at the National Institute of Mental Health in the USA (which she visited after obtaining a Rubicon grant from NWO). Lotte Gerritsen, embedded at the VUmc Psychiatry department, obtained a prestigious VENI personal-career grant in which she will examine the impact of stress and genetics on the brain. Two large new intervention grants were obtained from the Dutch Scientific Organization ZonMw. One project, led by Harm van Marwijk, will examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in somatoform disorders, and another project, led by CĂŠcile Boot, will examine an intervention aiming at preventing stress in the work place environment. Meike Bartels, embedded in the department of Biological Psychology, has been appointed as full professor on a University Research Chair entitled Genetics and Welbeing. Anne Margriet Pot, embedded in de department of Clinical Psychology, received an honorary professorship at the University of Queensland focusing on collaboration in the field of resiliency in the elderly and community care. 2013 Key publications & chapters Bartels, M., Cacioppo, J.T., Beijsterveldt, C.E.M. van & Boomsma, D.I. (2013). Exploring the association between well-being and psychopathology in adolescents. Behavior Genetics, 43 (3), 177-190. Barth, J., Munder, T., Gerger, H., Nuesch, E., Trelle, S., Znoj, H., Juni, P. & Cuijpers, P. (2013). Comparative efficacy of seven psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with depression: A network meta-analysis. PLoS Medicine, 10 (5). Cuijpers, P., Vogelzangs, N., Twisk, J., Kleiboer, A.M., Li, J. & Penninx, B.W.J.H. (2013). Differential mortality rates in major and subthreshold depression: Metaanalysis of studies that measured both. British Journal of Psychiatry, 202 (1), 2227. Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 25
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QUALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE Kommer, T.N. van den, Comijs, H.C., Aartsen, M.J., Huisman, M., Deeg, D.J.H. & Beekman, A. (2013). Depression and cognition: how do they interrelate in old age? American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21 (4), 398-410. Lamers, F., Vogelzangs, N., Merikangas, K.R., Jonge, P. de, Beekman, A.T.F. & Penninx, B.W.J.H. (2013). Evidence for a differential role of HPA-axis function, inflammation and metabolic syndrome in melancholic versus atypical depression. Molecular Psychiatry, 18 (6), 692-699. Platje, E., Vermeiren, R.R.J.M., Raine, A., Doreleijers, T.A.H., Keijsers, L., Branje, S., Popma, A., Lier, P.A.C. van, Koot, H.M., Meeus, W. & Jansen, L.M.C. (2013). A longitudinal biosocial study of cortisol and peer influence on the development of adolescent antisocial behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 38, 2770-2779.
Number of articles in top 10% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 116 Number of articles in top 25% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 232
Quality of Care 2013 Highlights The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) had a good year. They received € 2.7 million funding for continuing LASA from 2103-2016 from the Ministry of Health. In addition they celebrated the publishing of the 400 th LASA-publication. On top of that they included their 5000th respondent since their start in 1992. Saskia Duijts received a prestigious fellowship from the Dutch Cancer Society (‘KWF Kankerbestrijding’). In this fellowship: 'Work beyond cancer. Sustained employability as behavioural change'. She will investigate how return to work and staying at work can be promoted in cancer patients and survivors, and if behavioural theories and models can be applied here. During the fellowship she will visit several national and international institutes. Not less than two QoC researchers have contributed with their ideas to compilations of good ideas of scientists and other thinkers. Martina Cornel (Community Genetics) contributed with ‘Het genoom is van ons’ to ‘de beste ideeën van 2013’. Cordula Wagner contributed with ‘Beter 1 team in de hand than 10 specialisten in de lucht’ to the book ‘Nederland in ideeën: 101 denkers over inzichten en innovaties die ons land verander(d)en’. Just a few months after taking over the role of program director of QoC from Daniëlle Timmermans, Sophia Kramer was awarded a VU University Research Chair (URC). URC is a selective and privileged appointment as full professor. The chair Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 26
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QUALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE has been created to recognize and reward outstanding scholars at the rank equivalent to associate professor who are acknowledged by their peers as upcoming leaders in their research field. In the last FP7 round (FP7-HEALTH-2013INNOVATION-1), the PACE-project was funded. With a retrospective study and a trial, this study compares the effectiveness of advance care planning in long-term care facilities in different European countries. Within VUmc two QoCgroups cooperate in this project: public health at the end of life (Bregje Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Roeline Pasman, Luc Deliens) and the department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine (Hein van Hout, Jenny van der Steen, Cees Hertogh).
2013 Key publications & chapters Jonge, A. de, Mesman, J.A.J.M., Manniën, J., Zwart, J.J., Dillen, J. van, Roosmalen, J. van, (2013). Severe adverse maternal outcomes among low risk women with planned home versus hospital births in the Netherlands: nationwide cohort study. BMJ, 346, f3263. Dam, S. van der, Schols, J.M.G.A., Kardol, T.J.M., Molewijk, A.C., Widdershoven, G.A.M. & Abma, T.A. (2013). The discovery of deliberation. From ambiguity to appreciation through the learning process of doing Moral Case Deliberation in Dutch elderly care. Social Science and Medicine, 83, 125-132. El, C.G. van, Dondorp, W.J., Wert, G.M.W.R. de & Cornel, M.C. (2013). Call for Prudence in Whole-Genome Testing. Science, 341 (6149), 958-959. Steen, J.T. van der, Radbruch, L., Hertogh, C.M., Boer, M.E. de, Hughes, J.C., Larkin, P., Francke, A.L., Jünger, S., Gove, D., Firth, P., Koopmans, R.T., Volicer, L. (2013). European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). White paper on palliative care in dementia – recommendations from the EAPC http://www.eapcnet.eu/Themes/ Clinicalcare/EAPCWhitepaperondementia.aspx Heins, M.J., Korevaar, J.C., Rijken, P.M. & Schellevis, F.G. (2013). For which health problems do cancer survivors visit their General Practitioner? European Journal of Cancer, 49 (1), 211-218. Number of articles in top 10% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 57 Number of articles in top 25% of the publications relevant to the discipline: 145
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Musculoskeletal Health 2013 Highlights MSH celebrated the inauguration of the Amsterdam Spine Center with a ‘maiden’ symposium. The Amsterdam Spine Center is a collaboration of various departments within VU University Medical Center and VU University for spine-related research covering the complete spectrum from cell to patient-centred care. The innovative Trauma Network VUmc, in which an integrated care model for trauma patients will be implemented and evaluated, has been launched under the scientific supervision of MSH. Joost Dekker received two international awards for his accomplishments in behavioural medicine; one from the American Psychological Association and the other from the Chinese Society of Behavioral Medicine. Adri Apeldoorn was awarded the annual prize for the best PhD thesis of the Scientific Committee of Physiotherapy (WCF) of the Royal Dutch Association of Physiotherapy (KNGF). MSH was successful in obtaining multiple grants from the research program Sport of ZonMw. This program was instigated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF). MSH is involved in nine out of twenty-three awarded projects. 2013 Key publications & chapters Esch, M. van der, Knoop, J., Hunter, D.J., Klein, J.P., Leeden, M. van der, Knol, D.L., Reiding, D., Voorneman, R.E., Gerritsen, M., Roorda, L.D., Lems, W.F. & Dekker, J. (2013). The association between reduced knee joint proprioception and medial meniscal abnormalities using MRI in knee osteoarthritis: results from the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21 (5), 676-681. Downie, A., Williams, C.M., Henschke, N., Hancock, M.J., Ostelo, R.W.J.G., Vet, H.C. de, Macaskill, P., Irwig, L., Tulder, M.W. van, Koes, B.W. & Maher, C.G. (2013). Red flags to screen for malignancy and fracture in patients with low back pain: systematic review. BMJ, 347, g7. Nauta, J., Knol, D.L., Adriaensens, L., Wolt, K.K., Mechelen, W. van & Verhagen, E.A.L.M. (2013). Prevention of fall-related injuries in 7year-old to 12-year-old children: a cluster randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47 (14), 909-913. Schaafsma, F.G., Whelan, K., Beek, A.J. van Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 28
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QUALITY AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE der, Es-Lambeek, L. van der, Ojajarvi, A. & Verbeek, J.H. (2013). Physical conditioning as part of a return to work strategy to reduce sickness absence for workers with back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 30 (8), CD001822. Sohl, E., Schoor, N.M. van, Jongh, R.T. de, Visser, M., Deeg, D.J.H. & Lips, P. (2013). Vitamin D status is associated with functional limitations and functional decline in older individuals. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98 (9), E1483-E1490.
Number of articles in top 10% van de publications relevant to the discipline: 57 Number of articles in top 25% van de publications relevant to the discipline: 104
Affiliated member: Athena Institute The Athena Institute (hereafter Athena) has become an affiliated member of EMGO + in 2013. Athena is part of the VU University Faculty Earth and Life Sciences and its mission is to realize excellence in transdisciplinary research on innovation and communication in the health and life sciences, with a specific focus on processes of social inclusion and diversity. The central question in the Athena research program is how science and technology can contribute to the improvement of health and well-being in a sustainable and equitable manner. Research is focused on the domains of health, agriculture and environment. Within the domain of health, research is conducted on three themes: citizen/patient participation in health research, care and policy; mental health/disability, human rights and participation; sustainable health systems. About half of the research projects in this domain are located in the Netherlands. The others are executed in countries such as India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and thus have a focus on the field of global health. Eighteen staff members of Athena participated in EMGO+ (part-time), equaling a research staff involvement of 8.1 fte (see appendix 20). During 2013 a start was made with submitting new project proposals in the health domain to the Science Committee (it was agreed not to submit already ongoing research projects). The output for 2013 realized by the 8.1 research fte of Athena staff participating in EMGO+ was forty publications and four theses, and Athena’s acquired funding amounted to ₏ 568.000. This output is compatible with a full EMGO+ membership in 2015, after the agreed two-year period of affiliate membership.
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T RIPLE -E (EMGO+ E H EALTH -E XCELLENCE ) Triple-E is a research network from VUmc, VU University and GGZ inGeest, wherein close multidisciplinary collaboration in the field of e(Mental) Health is initiated and facilitated. Triple-E aims to improve the accessibility, quality and (cost-) effectiveness of the (mental) healthcare for patients through the use of innovative ICT and improved multi-disciplinary collaboration. This means prevention, treatment and tailored care preferably in the natural environment of the patient, and with the patient in control. In this network all relevant stakeholders’ perspectives are accounted for, such as patients, health care providers, health insurance companies, governmental bodies, health care related industries and technology developers. One of the main challenges is to integrate and translate research outcomes into routine healthcare programs. Leading position: Triple-E is an ambitious initiative to strengthen the leading position of the Netherlands in the field of eMental Health and to expand it to eHealth in general. It presents the Amsterdam metropolitan region as a leading international eHealth knowledge network, and the Amsterdam Zuidas as a European core area of ??multi-disciplinary scientific research and economic eHealth activities. Thanks to the efforts of the researchers connected within Triple-E, the Netherlands may strengthen this ambition of tailored and (cost-) effective care and its leading position in the field of eHealth. This leading position of the Netherlands is not only shown by the large number of (inter)national scientific publications and current research projects. The Netherlands is currently a world leader in the implementation of eMental-Health in health care practice. Furthermore, eHealth is prominently reflected in Dutch policy objectives and actions of relevant stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, health insurers and innovative industrial partners. For more information, visit: www.triple-emgo.nl
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A MSTERDAM C ENTER ON A GEING (ACA) What is ACA: ACA unites researchers in Amsterdam (especially VUmc, VU (mostly EMGO+) and AMC) working in the field of old age and ageing. They provide an unsurpassed interdisciplinary knowledge-base on ageing, which is of crucial importance in an ageing society. The research is broad, ranging from fundamental science on biology of ageing and applied research into health and care innovation to ethical, economical and legal aspects and research on social networks of older people and healthy lifestyles. ACA is the platform in which the researchers get together, discuss research plans and opportunities, exchange research findings and communicate about their work with one another, the general public and other stakeholders from policy to health and social care organizations. New developments: In 2013, ACA defined a new research focus: resilience. Resilience refers to the phenomenon that some people, when confronted with stressful and potentially health threatening circumstances, are able to remain healthy. ACA aims to get insight in determinants of resilience, in order to improve prevention of negative consequences of ageing, social participation, and care for older people. Three thematic research groups have been formed for each of these subjects (prevention, participation, care), and one thematic group on knowledge dissemination. In September 2013, after a three year period as chair of ACA, Prof. dr. Rose-Marie Droës stepped down. The new chair is Prof.dr. Guy Widdershoven. Activities and results in 2013: ACA researchers have initiated various large national and international research proposals. Succesfull proposals include: MEETINGDEM (prof.dr. R.M. Dröes), Advanced Care Planning (prof.dr. C. Hertogh), MoodFood (prof.dr. M. Visser) and a project on measuring Quality of life (prof.dr. R. Ostelo en prof.dr. G. Widdershoven). Knowledge dissemination activities resulted in several films and books, as well as education programs. Several congresses were organized, including the conference ‘Samen Sterk!’, a conference on Sarcopenia, and the opening symposium of the week for the Chronically Ill. For more information, visit: www.vumc.nl/aca
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L ONGITUDINAL A GING S TUDY A MSTERDAM (LASA) LASA is an interdisciplinary, cross-sequential longitudinal study on predictors and consequences of changes in social, emotional, cognitive and physical functioning during aging. The LASA study is unique in the Netherlands by its broad, interdisciplinary, and long-term design. LASA uses representative samples of the Dutch population aged 55 years and older. Samples were drawn in 1992, 2002 and 2012, which facilitates research of successive generations elderly. From 2013 representative samples of two migrant groups, Turkish and Morroccan, are included in the study. In particular, recent studies based on LASA focus on the social and psychological consequences of specific disorders such as hearing disorders and joint disorders, and on consequences of major life events such as retirement, moving homes and widowhood for physical and mental health. Substudies elaborate on specific themes such as Osteoarthritis and Vitamin D, resilience and self-sufficiency. The increasing proportion of older people in the population represents an unprecedented demographic change in our society, which has great influence on issues such as welfare, social cohesion, health care and economy. Because of its board scope, LASA is fully equipped to examine these issues. Annually, LASA researchers contribute information pertaining to public policies on aging, in consultation with various departments of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. For more information, visit: www.lasa-vu.nl
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Since 1989 the department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics organizes in co-operation with the EMGO+ institute a postgraduate epidemiology program called EpidM. The program includes a Master’s Program in Epidemiology and offers additional courses in epidemiological and advanced statistical methods. The Master’s Program is a 2,5 years, part-time program of 60 EC. The theoretical part (27 EC) consists of six compulsory courses and three optional courses. The program also includes a scientific internship (33 EC). The Master’s Program trains postgraduates from a range of disciplines (Medicine, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences etc.). It focuses on applied research in primary care and public health. The program provides the methodological tools for evidence-based medicine and evidence-based health policy. The students taking part in the program are researchers (including PhD students) and professionals working in the health services field. They often combine their work (including clinical work) with research activities. The research that they carry out at their place of work represents their scientific internship. The Master’s Program has been accredited by the Accreditation Organization of The Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). NVAO independently ensures the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders by assessing and accrediting programs and contributes to enhancing this quality. This means that upon successful completion of the program students will receive a Master of Science degree. In 2013 the Master’s Program has been visited for an external evaluation by the Dutch Epidemiological Society (Vereniging voor Epidemiologie) and they confirmed the program meets the requirements for a registration as an epidemiologist. In 2013, 21 students enrolled in the Master’s Program. Furthermore, 360 students attended one or more courses of EpidM, resulting in a total of 625 course registrations. 27% of these students were PhD students within EMGO+, 14% were researchers of the VU University Medical Center, and the remaining 59% were researchers employed at a range of other universities (including VU University). The epidemiology program EpidM is entirely funded from course fees and is not supported by regular government funding for higher education. PhD students of the EMGO+ institute get a 25% discount on the course fees. The fact that the program attracts certainly enough students to be in a financially good shape, indicates that the program is well attended, and the course evaluations indicate that the program is well appreciated by the participating students. More information can be found on http://www.epidm.nl. Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 33
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QUALITY CONTROL
The EMGO+ Institute has a number of institute specific resources that strongly facilitate scientific integrity and scientific quality in all phases of research, including study design, data collection, data analysis and reporting. The EMGO + Institute attaches much importance to providing an environment that encourages good conduct in research and discourages misconduct, and to providing tools that maximize high quality research. However, as the institute has no formal role in the governance of research personnel, the responsibility for actual behavior remains with the department heads.
Science Committee The Science Committee advises the Executive Board on the quality and feasibility of all research proposals that have been submitted to the Executive Board for formal inclusion in one of the EMGO+ research programs. The committee also gives solicited and unsolicited advice to the Executive Board on all matters concerning research policy, and prioritizes awards and (travel) grant proposals funded by the institute itself. The Science Committee is a representative reflection of midcareer and senior scientists in the institute with at least two members from each of the four EMGO + research programs. A proposal is first sent to the appropriate program directors to evaluate the proposal on its relevance to the EMGO+ mission and its fit with the program’s scientific mission. When both criteria are met, the scientific quality of the proposal is assessed by two reviewers who are appointed by the Science Committee: one member of the Science Committee and one senior researcher within EMGO+. Both reviewers assess the theoretical soundness of the research questions, the methodological quality and the feasibility of the proposal. The reviewers are requested to return the proposal with their recommendation to the Science Committee within two weeks. The outcome categories are: Positive, with recommendations for improvement Negative, offering the possibility of resubmission after the recommendations have been processed Negative In case of a negative assessment by one reviewer and a positive assessment by another, the proposal will be assessed by a third reviewer (a member of the Science Committee), whose judgment will be final. The Science Committee sends its advice to the Executive Board who makes a final decision regarding approval of research proposals. Only after approval of the Executive Board, a project will be embedded within EMGO +. In addition, approval of the EMGO+ Science Committee is required before a project is submitted to the Medical Ethical Committee of the VU University Medical Center.
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QUALITY CONTROL
A full list of discussed protocols in 2013 is presented in appendix 4. In total ninety-six research protocols were reviewed in 2013 of which eighty-eight have been approved.
Quality Committee The Quality Committee is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a system for quality improvement and control for the institute. The system is aimed at supporting and improving the research process. Moreover, the Quality Committee advises the Executive Board on quality issues. To fulfill its tasks the Quality Committee audits research projects, maintains and expands a web-based quality manual (http:// www.emgo.nl/kc/) and provides personal introductions to all newly appointed researchers within the institute. In 2013 the Quality Committee has audited fourteen research projects. Fifty PhD students were invited to do a web-based do-it-yourself audit, in which their knowledge and application of the quality manual was tested. The quality officer has given forty-one personal introductions in proper scientific conduct for newly appointed investigators with a focus on privacy, medical ethical committee, experimental log books, data organization and back-up, and the guidelines in the quality manual guidelines most directly relevant to the individual researcher. A total of seven incidents of possible violations of scientific conduct or privacy protection were reported to the quality officer, all of which have been handled through the appropriate channels (one incident required an investigation on a possible leak of information). To improve handling of privacy-sensitive data and documentation of the research process, the Quality Committee developed an action plan based on a behavioral change model. Three tools to help researchers with documentation and privacy protection were developed. These tools will be tested and implemented in 2014, as a part of the action plan.
PhD Committee The PhD Committee consists of three senior investigators and one PhD student. They advise the Executive Board on matters concerning education, supervision and assessment of PhD students. The PhD Committee is responsible for reviewing the ‘education and supervision agreement’ that is designed and signed by the PhD student and supervisors at the beginning of each PhD project. This agreement lists the individually selected courses that the student must complete alongside the PhD research project. The overall aim of the agreement is to ensure a course program that is tailored to the needs of the individual PhD student and project requirements. Beyond its review and advice functions, the committee organizes the introduction of new PhDs into Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 36
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QUALITY CONTROL
the institute and its committees and expertise, offers assistance when PhD students find themselves in a dispute with their supervisors, and directs and supports a ‘PhD student buddy system’ that links each new PhD student to a more experienced student in order to provide new students a way to get quickly introduced within the institute. A subcommittee of PhD representatives (one PhD student for each research program) is responsible for developing and updating the “PhD manual” and the “finish your PhD manual”, which are documents that serve PhD students with the necessary information to start and finish their PhD projects successfully. Further the PhD representatives have a signaling function for their research program.
Methodological expertise centers Researchers in the institute can obtain support for a number of crucial steps in the research process of which we highlight three elements here, clinimetrics, epidemiology, and statistical analysis. The mission of the knowledge center Measurement Instruments is to optimize the quality of measurement in health science and medical research by consultations, education, and research. For this purpose, the center gives advice and cooperates with researchers from different fields of health science and medical research in searching for available measurement instruments, examining the quality of the available measurement instruments, choosing the most appropriate measurement instrument for a certain purpose, and designing and performing studies on measurement properties of measurement instruments. In 2013 more than thirty researchers visited the center for advice and over one hundred researchers asked advice by e-mail or telephone. Several small grants were obtained to appoint a postdoc fellow and junior researcher to further strengthen the center. E&B Xpert is part of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics in the VU University Medical Center. It supports researchers at the beginning of their research in choosing a study outcome, with sample size calculations and in preparing a plan for the statistical analysis of their data. E&B Xpert also assists researchers in analyzing data resulting from their studies, in presenting the results in reports and papers and in answering reviewers' questions on statistical issues. E&B Xpert supports ranges from short consultations via e-mail, telephone or in person to long-term participation in medical and biomedical research projects. Statisticians, epidemiologists, health economists and clinimetricians provide the expertise and support.
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Figure 5: Some EMGO+ dissertations in 2013
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SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT
Publications or other forms of scientific output are considered EMGO + output if and only if the institute has been mentioned in the affiliations of one (or more) of the co-authors, and the co-author was an EMGO+ researcher in the year of publication. Table 6 lists the number of refereed papers that were published in 2013 as well as other scientific output. The number has increased by more than two hundred over the tally in 2012, and this increase in productivity may reflect the increase in acquisition and research personnel in the years following the change from EMGO to EMGO + in 2008. Although the bulk of the output is in the form of papers in scientific journals, EMGO + researchers also produce many book chapters and professional publications in clinical practice oriented journals. Appendix 5 provides a full list of the 2013 EMGO + publications, ordered per program and by the main categories used in table 6. EMGO+ institute Refereed articles Non-refereed articles Books and book chapters PhD-theses Professional publications Publications aimed at the general public Total publications
2008 411 52 69 36 78 46 692
2009 632 130 50 51 76 39 978
2010 786 157 131 52 75 4 1205
2011 851 17 82 42 110 5 1107
2012 954 18 110 61 164 18 1325
2013 1124 11 102 77 218 23 1555
Lifestyle, Overweight and Diabetes Refereed articles Non-refereed articles Books and book chapters PhD-theses Professional publications Publications aimed at the general public Total publications
2008 110 12 7 7 9 6 151
2009 128 37 3 10 10 2 190
2010 139 15 15 3 9 1 182
2011 218 3 4 9 5 2 241
2012 205 2 17 10 15 2 251
2013 259 0 10 20 21 0 310
Mental Health Refereed articles Non-refereed articles Books and book chapters PhD-theses Professional publications Publications aimed at the general public Total publications
2008 98 13 29 10 24 10 184
2009 245 56 22 16 31 7 377
2010 270 42 62 29 12 0 415
2011 288 7 38 18 44 0 395
2012 321 7 57 30 49 3 467
2013 376 3 31 28 47 11 496
Quality of Care Refereed articles Non-refereed articles Books and book chapters PhD-theses Professional publications Publications aimed at the general public Total publications
2008 94 14 21 9 34 24 196
2009 115 28 16 14 33 25 231
2010 199 76 47 10 39 3 374
2011 210 6 36 9 51 3 315
2012 229 8 32 16 81 11 377
2013 298 7 50 18 142 11 526
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SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT
Musculoskeletal Health Refereed articles Non-refereed articles Books and book chapters PhD-theses Professional publications Publications aimed at the general public Total publications
2008 109 13 12 10 11 6 161
2009 144 9 9 11 2 5 180
2010 178 24 7 10 15 0 234
2011 135 1 4 6 10 0 156
2012 199 1 4 5 19 2 230
2013 191 1 11 11 8 1 223
Table 6 (SEP 5.3): EMGO + scientific output in 2012 for the institute and per program
Table 6 also lists the number of PhD theses completed in 2013. In 2013, two hundred forty PhD students were working on their PhD thesis within the institute, representing 138 research fte (see table 3). Twenty PhD students were external, i.e. they were not appointed by VUmc. A total of seventy-seven PhD theses were produced in 2013, the titles of which give a very good overview of the EMGO + research output (see appendix 6).
1200
1000
800
Refereed articles Non-refereed articles
600
PhD-theses Other publications
400
Total research fte
200
0 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Figure 6: FTE total research staff, number of dissertations, refereed articles, non-refereed articles and other publications
International benchmarking In the Netherlands the research performance of all eight medical faculties is externally benchmarked by the Center for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS; www.cwts.nl) of the University of Leiden. This CWTS analysis has a one-year lag in citations and a two-year lag in publications. According to the most recent CWTS bibliometric analysis EMGO + researchers co-authored 2303 scientific publications in Thomson Reuters Web of science Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 40
8
SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT
core collection between 2008 and 2011. For comparisons between faculties and between institutes CWTS calculates a so-called MNCS indicator for which 1 represents world average. The 2013 CWTS bibliometric analysis of research papers in peer-reviewed international scientific journals reports an average MNCS indicator of 1.58 for EMGO +’s research. This reflects that the scientific impact of EMGO +’s research is 58% above world average in the scientific fields that EMGO+ contributes to. All four research programs have a crown indicator well above 1.0. To allow a more field-specific comparison of EMGO+ researchers to the world average, figure 7 presents the total number of publications (p) between 2008 and 2011, and MNCS (based on the number of citations between 2008 and 2012), for the subject categories according to web of science in which we publish at least twenty papers. The category ‘Medicine, general and internal’ contains a number of very generic, high impact journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, giving this category a very high MNCS. Two striking features are evident in the figure. First, EMGO + remains very true to its transdisciplinary nature by publishing in a large number of fields. Second, the weighted citation score of EMGO+ researchers is above the world average across the board, and more than 50% higher than the world average for thirteen out of the twenty-six categories listed.
Figure 7 – CWTS analysis of the EMGO+ Institute’s publication profile 2008-2011 (only VUmc publications are in included, VU FPP and VU FALW publications are not included)
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 41
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 42
9
EARNING CAPACITY
As shown in table 7 (next page) and figure 8 (below), the earning capacity of the EMGO + Institute has increased from € 21 million in 2012 to almost € 27 million in 2013
`
Current external research funding is mostly from public organizations (‘2 e en 3e geldstroom’), with the bulk of funding coming from ZonMw/NWO (€ 9.132.718). The European Union is a second important source of EMGO + funding with about € 7,7 million newly acquired in 2013 (28%). A recent analysis by the VUmc has identified that, amongst the VUmc departments, the EMGO+ departments have the highest hit rate in European Union funding. Appendix 7 lists all grants and funding acquired by EMGO + researchers in 2013. In spite of these encouraging figures, the Executive Board is currently implementing a policy to increase the investment in building networks that may spawn public-private partnerships, as this remains an underused source of research funding.
€ 30.000.000,00
€ 25.000.000,00
€ 20.000.000,00
€ 15.000.000,00
€ 10.000.000,00
€ 5.000.000,00
€ 0,00
2008
2009
Research Grants
2010
2011
Contract Research
2012
Other funding
Figure 8: Past and current acquisition of research funds for the institute
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 43
2013
9
EARNING CAPACITY
EMGO+ Research Grants Contract Research Other funding Total
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
3.564.580 10.538.287 18.815.942
9.891.265 14.726.635 10.572.350
8.593.411
8.582.927
9.713.825
7.423.260
404.109
580.960
437.078
190.600
6.383.789 15.483.945 350.000
930.535
12.562.100 19.702.174 28.966.845 17.505.125 21.460.424 26.986.830
Of which European funding: €3.823.929 in 2012 (18%) and €7.672.424 in 2013 (28%) LOD Research Grants Contract Research Other funding Total MH Research Grants Contract Research Other funding Total QoC Research Grants Contract Research Other funding Total MSH Research Grants Contract Research Other funding Total
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
587.000
3.829.800
3.716.977
1.150.369
2.277.395
2.153.790
552.000
737.800
2.200.517
1.541.115
1.001.199
5.789.680
550.000
447.400
169.953
32.500
1.500
117.780
1.689.000
5.015.000
6.087.447
2.723.984
3.280.094
8.061.250
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
539.500
2.976.000
7.892.491
5.147.627
2.994.078
2.371.326
5.186.500
2.872.900
3.399.377
2.060.524
3.170.810
4.698.185
330.000
0
1
158.100
125.000
108.300
5.848.900 11.291.869
7.366.251
6.289.888
7.177.811
6.056.000 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
43.700
3.720.000
4.489.200
2.271.571
7.806.707
4.219.864
2.869.400
3.045.000
1.796.925
2.765.767
1.846.428
4.287.823
0
95.000
267.121
0
220.860
360.380
2.913.100
6.860.000
6.553.246
5.037.338
9.873.995
8.868.067
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
414.400
12.500
2.717.274
1.321.698
1.648.455
1.827.370
1.489.600
1.927.200
2.317.006
1.055.854
365.352
708.257
0
38.600
3
0
2.640
344.075
1.904.000
1.978.300
5.034.283
2.377.552
2.016.447
2.879.702
Table 7: Past and current acquisition of research funds in € for the institute and per program
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 44
10
ACADEMIC REPUTATION
EMGO+ was externally evaluated in 2010. The institute, as well as its four research programs, was rated as excellent. In its evaluation report, the committee was very positive about the institute’s viability and future perspectives. This external evaluation covered the 2004-2009 period. As can be judged from tables 6 and 7, EMGO +’s output in terms of publications, PhD theses, and acquired research grants has further increased from 2009 to 2013, even after correcting for the increased number of EMGO + researchers. The excellent reputation of EMGO+ researchers is further illustrated by the many lectures given at scientific meetings (appendix 8), the awards and honors they obtained in 2013 (appendix 9) as well as their prominence in the organization of conferences (appendix 10) and their gate keeping positions as grant reviewers, (associate) editors of international journals or executive board/committee members of academic societies (appendix 11A and appendix 11B).
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 45
Figure 9: Photo impression of the EMGO + speed date event with industry [photo: Joep Niesink]
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 46
11
SOCIETAL IMPACT
EMGO+ aims to produce excellent scientific research, but this research only fulfills its potential when it benefits society at large. Striving for societal impact not only justifies our use of public funds, but also provides focus for our research projects and direction for the institute’s policy. We use the indicators proposed by the Dutch Health Council to evaluate and monitor of societal impact of our research. In 2013 EMGO + researchers contributed to at least 70 clinical guidelines / health policy reports on various topics, reflected in the form of co-authorships. These guidelines and policy reports contribute to evidence-based practice and thus represent an important aspect of the societal impact of our research. A detailed list of these EMGO+ contributions to a directive, protocol or policy note can be found in appendix 12. In addition to the clinical guidelines and health policy reports, there are articles in national professional journals, articles written for the general public and (chapters in) handbooks that we consider contributing to the societal impact of our research. These products are included in appendix 5, in particular under the headings professional and popular publications. Appendix 13 lists the EMGO+ memberships of an advice council in the public or commercial field through which we can translate our scientific insights directly into policy, medical practice and medical products. The results of EMGO+ research projects attract substantial attention from the media (see appendix 14). Members of our staff were interviewed on television more than 20 times, and 16 interviews on national public radio were broadcasted. Interviews and articles about research projects and their results were published locally or nationally in more than 64 newspapers (online and print) and 45 magazine articles (online and print) and in at least 36 different other online sources (e.g. weblogs, newsfeeds and online newsletters).
Figure 10: EMGO+ researchers on television in 2013
The Internet is arguably the most important source of health information. Therefore, websites can be highly relevant for measuring the societal impact of EMGO +’s research. EMGO+ maintains a number of own websites, in part conveying general information, in part explaining the rationale and/or the results of our ongoing research and research collaborations. The list of our most important websites is given in appendix 15, with the websites divided into three categories: health information, research projects, and research collaborations. A further indicator of societal impact is the many invitations EMGO + staff receives to deliver lectures to health care professionals, policy makers and non-professionals. Topics covered in these presentations can be gleaned from appendix 16, which provides an overview of the 2013 lectures for various non-scientific audiences. Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 47
11
SOCIETAL IMPACT
Members of our staff are frequently involved in teaching programs based on the results of EMGO+ research projects. We have a major contribution to the regular curriculum of the bachelor and master programs of medicine (VUmc), psychology & educational science (VU FPP) and health sciences (VU- FALW) as well as to the Master of Epidemiology. We also provide a substantial contribution to the ‘life long learning’ of healthcare professionals. Examples of EMGO+ involvement in this post initial education are listed in appendix 17. In order to have a true impact on the daily practice of extramural and transmural health care EMGO+ has established over the years a number of Research & Expertise Centers and the so-called Academic Collaborative Centers (‘Academische werkplaatsen’). The Research & Expertise Centers active in 2013 are listed in appendix 18. These centers cover specific topics of applied research and develop and provide expertise relevant to health care practice, whereas the Academic Collaborative Centers provide direct links with daily practice. Academic Collaborative Center
Aim
Partner(s)
Child and Youth Health Care
Improve knowledge transfer between health policy, research and education in child and youth health care. Providing scientific evidence for child health care practice and innovation. Build a scientific evidencebase for health care inspection activities and to provide insight in the process and effects of inspection activities on health care.
Municipal Health Services of Amsterdam, Hollands Noorden, ZaanstreekWaterland, Gooi & Vechtstreek and the Child Health Care organization Kennemerland.
Improve the quality of work disability assessments and developing and evaluating new return-to-work strategies and tools. Prevention of work-related complaints and disease, and effective return-to work intervention for those off work because of sickness. Improving work conditions, lifestyle and workers health. Prevention of work-related complaints and disease, and effective return-to work intervention for those off work because of sickness. Improving work conditions, lifestyle and workers health.
National Institute for Employee Benefits (UWV), AMC, UMCG
Healthcare Inspection (AWP Toezicht)
Insurance Medicine
Occupational and Environmental Health Service VU-AMD
Occupational and Environmental Health Service KLM
Healthcare Inspection (IGZ), IBMG, NIVEL, IQ Healthcare
VU University/VU University Medical Center, Department for Occupational Health and Safety (AMD)
KLM Health Services
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 48
11
SOCIETAL IMPACT
Occupational and Environmental Health Service Tata Steel
Prevention of work-related complaints and disease, and effective return-to work intervention for those off work because of sickness. Improving work conditions, lifestyle and workers health.
Tata Steel
Network of Academic General Practices
Integrate scientific research, medical education, vocational training and innovation in general-practice care.
1. Huisartsen coรถperatie Groot Zuid, 2. Stichting Amsterdamse Gezondheidscentra (SAG). 3. HOED Leonard Springer, Haarlem.
University Network of Organizations for Elderly care (UNO)
Build a bridge between research and practice in longterm elderly care, especially in nursing homes.
NIVEL, Klinische neuropsychologie VU Amsterdam, UKONUniversitair Kennisnetwerk Ouderenzorg Nijmegen
Anxiety Disorders
Establish the biological basis of anxiety and compulsion disorders, unipolar and bipolar depression, and their comorbidity with somatic disorders to develop innovative interventions for patients treated for these disorders. Develop academic research on developmental pathways, personalized treatment and quality of care for people with intellectual disabilities in the Institution. Provide evidence-based advice and support in case of sadness, anxiety, stress and other psychological symptoms.
Psychiatrie VUMC, Poliklinieken Angst- en dwangstoornissen, Poliklinieken bipolaire stoornissen (Altrecht, Dimence) GGZ inGeest
Depression Bipolar disorders
Care for the Intellectually Disabled
Prezens
s'Heerenloo Instituut
GGZ inGeest
Table 8: EMGO+ Academic Collaborative Centers
Table 8 lists the EMGO+ Academic Collaborative Centers active in 2013. In these collaborative networks, research, education, policy and practice are brought together by direct collaboration between clinician, teachers, researchers and managers. For a large part, funding for the research done within the academic collaborative centers comes from the societal stakeholders (e.g. companies, services, institutions) so these activities directly qualify as valorization. Economic product-based valorization of research, for instance in public-private partnerships, has not yet been strongly developed in the EMGO+ (see appendix 19), although a few partnerships (e.g. GeriMedica, www.gerimedica.nl) have been established that can serve as models for future developments. Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 49
SWOT Analysis of the EMGO+ Institute Strenghts
Weaknesses
Inclusive in its broad extra-, trans- and intramural scope, but focused in its actual research by the thematic research programs (mass and focus). Optimal environment on the VU/VUmc campus for transdisciplinary collaboration. Methodological rigor and innovation in both clinical and public health evaluation (including cost-effectiveness analysis) and epidemiological research.
Poorly developed networks with SME and industry hampering the formation of public private partnerships for research on EMGO+ themes. Low number of international staff members and low number of international PhD students. Low coherence in EMGO+ research on Aging, in spite of societal urgency and substantial amount of EMGO+ researchers working on this theme.
Widely respected for its promotion and control of the quality of the scientific process and scientific conduct. Internationally renowned longitudinal cohort studies (e.g. LASA, NESDA, NTR, Hoorn studies). High volume and high quality scientific output. Longstanding focus on societal relevance and translational research (e.g. through academic collaborative centers). Solid performance in the acquisition of external research funding.
Opportunities +
EMGO research themes figure prominently on European research agenda (Horizon 2020).
S W O T
Main themes of EMGO+ recognized as the major drivers of direct and indirect costs (musculoskeletal problems, mental disorders, obesity/diabetes, ageing population). Re-emergence of the appreciation of preventive medicine. Increased focus in government policy on the need for primary care and public health reform in order to provide evidence-based and affordable healthcare.
Cross-campus collaboration with other research institutes on the VU/VUmc campus: MOVE in Musculoskeletal Health research; ICaRVU in Obesity & Diabetes research; FSW & ICaRVU in Elderly Medicine; NCA in the Mental Health program; CCA in cancer rehabilitation and end of life research within the Quality of Care program.
Threats EMGO+ may become too big to provide a common identity and cohesion.
Thinning of mid-career levels and poor longer term career perspectives for PhDs. Continued reduction in structural (VUmc/VU) research funding and in the budgets of competitive national grant agencies (NWO/ ZonMW). Dependency on (successful) external funding threatens high risk projects and true innovation. Major ‘external’ developments within the VUmc including a shift from historical to performancerelated budgets and the alliance with the AMC.
AMC/VUmc collaboration in extramural, transmural, and clinical and public health evaluation research within a UMCA institute could yield a world class institute for evidencebased medicine.
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 50
12
SWOT ANALYSIS
Next, the SWOT analysis of the Institute is presented. This SWOT analysis is accompanied by a strategy and actions section that focuses on the short-term ambitions and continuity of our substantial scientific and societal impact. Such a SWOT/strategy pair is generated each year for the annual report cycle and is used by the EMGO + Executive Board to revise their current strategies and policies. The strategy formulation is SMART, that is, in the form of concrete actions that are required to meet concrete goals. In keeping with the structure of the institute, part of the actions will be program specific and coordinated by the program directors and part of the actions will concern all programs and will be led and monitored by the Executive Board.
Strategy In 2014 we will focus on improving and updating our quality control system, which is one of the attractive and binding aspects of the EMGO + Institute. Secondly, we will strengthen the postdoc level of the institute. Thirdly, we will further invest in building networks that may spawn public-private partnerships.
Action I Goal
Update the EMGO+ procedures for quality control of the EMGO + research projects.
Activities
Quality Committee proposes measures to improve the handling of privacy sensitive data and modernizes the web-based quality handbook. Manager EMGO+ makes a transparent division of labor and responsibilities for keeping the EMGO + project database up to date. PhD committee revamps the PhD buddy system and approves and archives all Training and Guidance plans and awards an EMGO + certificate on completion of the Training part (EpidM and WJGS certificates autoqualify).
Explanation
Currently the EMGO+ is widely respected for its promotion and control of the quality of the scientific process and scientific conduct, which are largely implemented by Quality, Science and PhD committees. However, newer regulations, results from regular self-evaluations and increased pressure on researchers to produce, require regular updates to this EMGO+ quality control system. Specifically, in their yearly self-evaluation, the Quality Committee has voiced some concern that EMGO + researchers may not be prepared for the new more strict guidelines for handling privacy-sensitive data that are being promulgated by the Data Protection Authority (‘College Bescherming Persoonsgegevens’). Adequate instruction, support and monitoring of researcher behavior in this area will be a major action point.
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 51
12
SWOT ANALYSIS
results
More awareness and higher adoption of the improved EMGO + quality control system by EMGO+ (and other VUmc) researchers.
KPIs
Improved EMGO+ quality control system.
Target:
Updated and modernized quality handbook with honed procedures for privacy sensitive data.
Anticipated
Intensified monitoring of the progress of PhD trajectories by the PhD committee. Improved managerial information on ongoing/closed/projected EMGO + projects.
Action II
Goal
Strengthen the institute at the level of junior staff members.
Activities
In 2014, four new postdocs will be funded, one in each program, with the explicit mission to write and submit proposals for their continued funding into the mid-career level in the European Horizon2020 program. In addition, the strategic part of the VUmc performance-based internal funding will be directed for a large part towards increasing the numbers of postdoc and midcareer researchers (InternationalPhD/PD pull and ReVanche instruments).
Explanation
The ‘gap’ between the PhD phase and the continued phase as a postdoc or assistant professor is noted as a threat by multiple programs, and the lack of tenured junior staff members is a general problem in the current landscape of Dutch universities. This threatens the sustainability of our current position of excellence.
Anticipated results
Appointment of four to six additional post-docs, both junior and senior, with at least two bridging two different EMGO + programs.
KPIs
Increase in EMGO+ funded postdocs.
Target:
Increase in tenured junior staff members within the EMGO + departments.
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 52
12
SWOT ANALYSIS
Action III Goal
Develop networks with SME and industry to create public private partnerships for research on EMGO + themes.
Activities
Regular participation in activities of the Amsterdam Economic Development Board, in particular the LifeKIC Knowledge and Innovation Center (KIC) bid for the European institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT). Implementation of an ‘Embedded PhD’ program, with EMGO + PhDs working (partly) in an in-company setting.
Explanation
Although the 2013 external acquisition was clearly more successful than in previous years, the percentage of funds obtained from industry/ private partners (1%) remains well under the target of 10%. This is not surprising as societal valorization is more aligned with the public health field than economic valorization, but we remain committed to the idea that growth is possible and desirable.
Anticipated
Network of private partners interested in EMGO + research themes.
results KPIs
Shared research proposals by EMGO + researchers with industry in Topsector LSH and European Union grants.
Target:
Five proposals submitted with newly gained industry contacts in LSH/ Horizon 2020. Successful KIC bid to the EIT.
Annual Report 2013 | EMGO+ | 53
EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research VU University Medical Center Van der Boechorststraat 7 1081 BT Amsterdam
Phone
+31 (0)20 444 8180
secretariaat.emgo@vumc.nl
Website
www.emgo.nl