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Research domains & projects

Athena's research takes place in and across four empirical domains, defined by areas in which societal problems are most pressing, and transformations are urgently needed. The diversity of our work in different domains enables us to test and verify findings in various fields. This results in insights that are both contextualised and generalisable, leading to more robust knowledge.

Athena coordinates and participates in various national and international research consortia, consisting of knowledge institutes, public partners and private affiliates. Below, you will find information about each domain, its sub-themes and associated projects. 

(Global) Health & Well-being
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Human health is the extent of an individual’s continuing physical, emotional, mental and social ability to cope with the environment. We involve patients, health workers, industry and policy makers in our research, to increase equal access to quality health and social care worldwide. Our work in this domain revolves around the themes:

  • Patient engagement 
  • Health access
  • Health innovations
  • Sustainable health & care
  • Infectious diseases
  • Mental health
  • Youth & parent care
  • Nutrition
  • Social justice

Emerging Science & Technology
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Emergent science and technologies not only constitute technical, but also social change. We involve societal actors in research and innovation processes, to ensure that technological developments contribute to solving societal problems. Our research in this domain revolves around the themes:

  • Inclusive technologies
  • Science communication
  • Societal entrepreneurship
  • History of knowledge

Food, Environment & Sustainability
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People across the world are facing the consequences of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and scarcities in highly unequal and unjust ways. We study societal dynamics and policy-making in these fields in order to co-create more inclusive, sustainable futures. Our research in this domain revolves around the themes:

  • Climate change
  • Environment
  • Food system transformation
  • Food production

Competencies for Transformation
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We develop, evaluate and embed methodologies, tools and spaces to train students, professionals, researchers in transdisciplinary approaches. This will support them in facilitating and participating in successful multi-stakeholder processes to address complex societal problems. Our research in this domain revolves around the themes:

  • Community service learning 
  • Spaces for transformation
  • Tools for transformation

Levels of analyses

Levels of analyses

Societal transformation can only be reached through interventions at multiple environment levels, since an action at one level often affects other levels as well. Therefore, Athena's research covers and connects all environment levels:

  • Micro: actors and projects
  • Meso: organisations and networks
  • Macro: socio-technical systems