3. Strategy (including the strategic process) Start of Amsterdam Neuroscience (2016-2018) When Amsterdam Neuroscience began in 2016, there was a solid balance between basic neuroscience and clinical research. The idea behind this strategy was that basic neuroscience provides a deep understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms, the neuronal systems involved and disease-associated pathology. Using an integrative approach, new insights in neuroscience can find the basis in, or may be linked to, research using complex trait genetics and structural or functional brain imaging. In parallel, we prioritized clinical research, intending to answer burning clinical questions. We identified ‘translational medicine’, a developing research field that fosters the integration of basic research and patientoriented research, as the potential stronghold of Amsterdam Neuroscience. This implied that Amsterdam Neuroscience aimed explicitly at transforming the fundamental understanding of the biology of the brain into effective health measures. With this aim in mind, we stimulated collaborative research between the science faculties of both universities of Amsterdam UMC, and of external stakeholders from the biotech and pharma industries. Our goal at the time was to accelerate early detection and discovery of disease mechanisms, the identification of novel (drug) targets for intervention and paving the way towards drugs discovery and novel Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) interventions, all in clinical trials. Self-Evaluation Report 2016-2021
Figure 1 Infographic of the research organization of Amsterdam Neuroscience in the period 2016-2018.
At the time, Amsterdam Neuroscience introduced an IAO team of business developers. The purpose of the team is to facilitate this research strategy by initiating, supporting and structuring the scientific discussions leading towards the project definition and execution of Translational Neuroscience and clinically oriented contracts, which are sponsored by external stakeholders from the biotech and pharma industries in the fields of Translational Neuroscience, neurology and psychiatry.
Organization of research (2016-2018) Amsterdam Neuroscience started with nine research programs (see Figure 1). Five of these research programs focused on specific brain and nervous system diseases, and four programs focused on innovation and technology. The programs were organized in a matrix in order to underscore the fact that innovation takes place at all levels of study: from molecular to cellular studies, to circuitry and intact brain and behavior, both at the individual as well as population level. 09
