Science Park Amsterdam
Science Park Amsterdam is an internationally renowned centre for scientific research, education and knowledge-related business activities. A large number of top-level knowledge institutes are located at the Science Park Amsterdam, mutually benefitting from each other’s knowledge and presence. Thanks to the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX), one of the world’s major internet hubs, Science Park Amsterdam boasts a superior technological infrastructure. The next few years will see an intensification of development. In 2009, the University of Amsterdam’s new Faculty of Science (FNWI), opens its doors, and growing numbers of companies in the areas of ICT, new media and life sciences are choosing to locate here too. The provision of a new hotel and conference centre, sport facilities, and housing and student accommodation, will also help to ensure a dynamic environment. With a total area of 70 hectares, Science Park Amsterdam has been devoted to science for over half a century. The first buildings for scientific ends were constructed here not long after the Second World War. Because of its strategic city location, in 1996 the area was earmarked as one of the key neighbourhoods for developing knowledge-intensive activities in the municipality. Science Park Amsterdam is a joint initiative of the University of Amsterdam, the City of Amsterdam and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). Bringing together knowledge, talent and ideas
Over the past few decades, a number of high-profile research institutes have chosen to locate in Science Park Amsterdam: the National institute for subatomic physics (Nikhef), the FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF), the Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science, and SARA Computing and Network Services. In addition, around 80 companies (including international ones) have meanwhile set up business, chiefly in the fields of ICT, life sciences and related areas. Also addressing ICT and life sciences are the research activities of the Faculty of Science (FNWI) of the University of Amsterdam. Research results in the areas of multimedia, grid computing and visualisation and the living cell, neurobiology, systems biology, nanophotonics and microscopy are highly rated in the international context.
Collaborations between businesses, institutes and education can therefore produce many fruits. At Science Park Amsterdam, the existing number of businesses and institutions is set to increase with the addition of a total of 500,000 square metres in FNWI buildings, research institutes, offices and laboratory spaces, university services and housing. The number of enterprises locating in the Science Park will expand with the building of about 175,000 square metres of new office and laboratory space. With these developments, the future of Science Park Amsterdam is assured as a place where high-quality education, research and entrepreneurship go hand in hand with knowledge, talent and ideas.