Projects selected for the Academy Assistants Programme 2010 - 2012

Erasmus University Rotterdam, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Twelve students at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam have the opportunity to spend a year collaborating with researchers and research groups full time, unhindered by financial obstacles. Their special status gives their careers in research an extra boost.

Erasmus University, Erasmus School of Economics

Sixteen outstanding minority students at the School of Economics are mentored by a Top Researcher for a year. During this time, the Academy assistants receive hands-on training in an inspiring research setting. They also attend a seminar and participate in meetings focusing on research methods, academic career prospects, and the cultural aspects important in a research career.

Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Social Sciences

Talented Master’s degree students have the opportunity to conduct pioneering research from the start of their first year of study. Each year, twelve Academy assistants write their own proposals and conduct the relevant research. The project motivates them to produce high-quality research and to pursue a career in research.

University of Groningen, Faculty of Arts

In the “Contested Memory” project, Academy assistants have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research within the Faculty of Arts, attend an international conference, and participate in monthly workshops acquainting them with the views and practices of other disciplines.

Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences

The Academy Assistants projects at Delft University are interdisciplinary in nature, with research being conducted at the interface of two disciplines. The assistants attend relevant conferences, contribute to academic publications, and present research results to the research group.

Leiden University, Faculty of Archaeology

Every year, five talented Master’s degree students have the chance to immerse themselves in research. These Academy assistants not only learn what research is, but also how to publish the results. They experience the excitement and satisfaction of the publication process  for the first time in their research careers.

Leiden University, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Fifteen Academy assistants have the opportunity to build their careers in research by working closely with innovative and productive researchers. Every semester they are allowed to choose the projects and activities that best reflect their own research interests.

Utrecht University, Faculty of Humanities

Twelve Master’s degree students enrolled in various programmes investigate the extent to which small businesses in the past and present have been able to finance their activities on credit. This investigation allows them to study the history and theory of micro-financing and to get involved in top research being carried out in Utrecht at the boundary of history, economics and law.

Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences

Students enrolled in a research Master’s programme generally have only limited time in the laboratory. Academy assistants are assigned to ongoing research projects and become familiar with research as currently conducted in several different laboratories. The assistants form a network and attend an annual symposium organised for their benefit. They also participate in informal meetings at which they compare the various laboratory research styles.

University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities

The Academy assistants at the University of Amsterdam conduct technologically and methodologically innovative research concerning the database “The Cultural Industry in Amsterdam's Golden Age”. They perform archival research and study the literature, looking specifically for connections between individuals, works of art, trade, and migration.

University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Law

The Academy assistants at the UvA’s Faculty of Law work on the worldwide research project “International Law in Domestic Courts” (ILDC). They improve their knowledge of international law and hone their research skills. They become part of a large international network of novice and veteran researchers, contribute to publications, and attend workshops and training courses.

Tilburg University, Faculty of Humanities

Twelve students from the Faculty of Humanities at Tilburg University have the chance to conduct interdisciplinary research under the guidance of senior researchers. They also write an article about their research and organise a symposium.

VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences

Twelve Academy assistants at VU University Amsterdam will set up an interdisciplinary community and conduct innovative research into communication in real-life and virtual social networks.