2. Mission, vision, core values, and strategic aims of the past six years – 2016-2021 Mission The overall mission of Amsterdam Neuroscience is to broaden the fundamental knowledge around the (central) nervous system and to translate this into effective therapies and treatments for the individual patient with a neurological or psychiatric disorder. Vision Amsterdam Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary research institute that makes a powerful impact in the field of basic neuroscience and Translational Neuroscience. We aim to be a fertile breeding ground for the next generation of neuroscientists. Armed with outstanding scientific knowledge, the highest clinical standards and pioneering innovations, we play a pivotal role in the battle against brain diseases. For the patient of today and the future.
focused research programs; a strong strategic and complementary research agenda; a shared, excellent graduate- and medicaltraining program; shared infrastructure; and service facilities (including a clinical trial unit) for large-scale (investigator-initiated and sponsored) investigations. What’s more, the idea of a strong embedded business development strategy aimed at adding new industry alliance programs was embraced in order to reach our translational goals. Best practice models of how to organize Amsterdam Neuroscience were available in each of the participating institutes. Working from a shared vision towards a shared implementation plan, outlined below, we created an appropriate follow-up action plan in the program of the new network organization.
Strategic aims at the start of Amsterdam Neuroscience When we launched Amsterdam Neuroscience in 2016, we did so with a strategic plan that was the result of an internal SWOT analysis and discussions with program leaders. Although there was no simple recipe for success at the time, this bottom-up approach made it possible to define major characteristics for building a strong partner organization, irrespective of laboratory or clinical housing. These included a consensus on shared leadership in various
The overall strategy Amsterdam Neuroscience focuses on scientific excellence, young talent and innovation in four cross-disciplinary research programs. In addition, there are five more clinical-oriented research programs that focus on both existing and new treatments for a number of brain and nervous system diseases, including neurological, neurovascular and psychiatric disorders. Amsterdam Neuroscience’s overall mission is to broaden the fundamental knowledge base to improve our understanding of the human brain
Self-Evaluation Report 2016-2021
and nervous system in health and disease, and to translate this into effective therapies and treatments for the individual patient. With a focus on both fundamental and Translational Neuroscience, we work on aspects of the primary function of the brain and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. In addition, however, we also identify relevant biomarkers, drug targets and new molecular structures for interventions for brain disorders. Through clinical trials on patients, we validate new diagnostic tests, therapies and interventions. Our clinical research often focuses on the prevention of brain disorders, or the recovery thereof. We do this both by investigator-initiated research and through collaborations with external parties such as biotech or pharma companies. Cooperation with industrial partners can, in turn, help accelerate clinical development and validation of new methods and interventions. And all while putting the interests of the patient first. Through scientific excellence and high clinical standards, we provide the best breeding 07
