Universiteit Utrecht
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At
Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major
strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability.
Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
The
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of
undergraduate and
graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BePrepared consortium was launched to conduct behavioural and social science research on outbreak preparedness. The consortium is a collaboration between twelve universities or university Medical Centers, as well as TNO, RIVM, Pharos and Trimbos. The consortium is coordinated by RadboudUMC (department IQ Healthcare) and was initially funded by Universities and the RIVM. The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) subsequently awarded a 12-month consortium grant, which was recently extended for another 12 months. The overall aim of this research is to learn important lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and be better prepared for a future outbreak or other crisis. The focus of the research undertaken by the consortium is on the rationale for and effects of public health and social measures, including in relation to adherence to measures, individual and collective resilience, trust in institutions, mental health, communication and research methodology.