Amsterdam UMC's unique structure brings together the medical faculties and university hospitals of two leading universities in the Netherlands: the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). This creates a powerful partnership that sets us apart, giving our students, researchers and staff access to the combined expertise, resources, and networks of two world-class universities.
As a result, Amsterdam UMC offers a dynamic and diverse environment where innovation thrives, opportunities flourish, and excellence in healthcare, research and education is the standard. By uniting the strengths of both institutions, we are able to deliver a richer academic experience, more research opportunities and depth, and drive medical progress on a global scale
Our international team
Rob van der Kolk
After an international career in business as a manager and consultant, Rob van der Kolk has now been working with great enthusiasm in healthcare for more than fifteen years. First as an independent entrepreneur and then as a director at Amsterdam University Medical Center. He is also a supervisor at several healthcare and educational institutions.
Rob is always trying to see whether we can improve healthcare by starting new partnerships.
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In collaboration with an American institute, he has set up a European purchasing group. And as a representative of Amsterdam UMC, he has shaped various collaborations with healthcare institutions in the Netherlands.
During the Corona pandemic, he was ultimately responsible for the purchase of personal protective equipment on behalf of the Dutch government. This was achieved by setting up a public-private partnership that had full control over the supply chain from Asia.
As director of the office of international affairs, he wants to build on his experience in setting up international partnerships for the Amsterdam UMC.
Stefano Battiato
Stefano Battiato is an international policy specialist with a strong background in analyzing political climates, legislative trends, and the role of international cooperation within the European Union and beyond. He has worked with organizations such as Deloitte in Amsterdam, the WBCSD in Geneva, and McLarty Associates in Washington DC, focusing on international politics and cross-border collaboration.
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In his current role, Stefano supports international policy development at Amsterdam UMC. From his work spans topics such as ethical frameworks, workforce integration in cross-border healthcare, and international research and academic partnerships. He helps advance initiatives that promote global cooperation and address the challenges of an increasingly diverse and connected environment. His main priority centers on advancing cross-border cooperation through policy fostering integrated healthcare, research, and academic collaboration.
Stefano holds an MSc in Comparative Politics (Political Economy) and an LLB in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. He is fluent in English, Italian, and French, and has intermediate proficiency in Spanish and Dutch.
José Roest
José Roest brings a diverse professional background to her role at Amsterdam UMC. After an early career organizing clothing and props for commercial productions in fashion, theater, film, and advertising, she transitioned to more regular working hours following the birth of her children and retrained as a secretary. José gained extensive experience as an office manager in the events industry and as an executive secretary for municipal executives in various municipalities.
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Since joining the Department of Human Genetics at Amsterdam UMC, José has played an active role in supporting her managers on a range of projects, including the internationalization of Amsterdam UMC.
Her collaborative approach and organizational expertise have made her a valuable member of the team.
José lives in Amstelveen. Together with her children, she shares a passion for entrepreneurship, which has led to the creation of an international online store specializing in unique curiosities and home accessories.
Anoek van Nierop
Anoek van Nierop has a background in international studies, focusing mostly on international relations, intercultural communication, and specifically on the political, societal and economic dynamics of East Asia. She joined the department of International Affairs in April 2026, and is excited to support Amsterdam UMC’s international strategy and cross-border cooperations.
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Anoek graduated from Leiden University with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a master’s degree in Asian Studies. She has lived in Taiwan and has also learned some Mandarin during her studies. Through her previous working experiences, she has strengthened skills such as communication, precision, and adaptability. She is excited to implement these skills in her current role, and to master new ones.
Amsterdam UMC holds a unique position in the academic and medical landscape, being formed from the collaboration between two renowned Dutch universities: the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Vrije Universiteit (VU). This partnership brings together a wealth of expertise, resources, and diverse perspectives, creating an inspiring environment for both education and research.
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If you are considering furthering your studies, whether through advanced degree programs, specialized courses, or research opportunities, Amsterdam UMC offers a wide range of options tailored to your interests and ambitions. Additionally, for those seeking an international and multidisciplinary setting, multiple traineeships and exchange programmes provide valuable hands-on learning in this unique environment.
Should you wish to explore these opportunities or require more detailed information about the application process, available programs, or support services, please do not hesitate to find the best contact person for you on the following pages:
