In the year that Amsterdam celebrates its 750 year history, we not only look back, but also look forward and imagine what we want for our world, our city, its people and their health. We have been shaped by the decisions and actions of our ancestors. In turn, our choices will influence the world future generations inherit. Research of AR&D has shown that the environment in which we grow and develop impacts our health and the potential for future generations to thrive. Today, numerous challenges threaten this environment. So, it is crucial we take action now to articulate and create a healthy, supportive environment for future generations to flourish and reach their full potential. Together, we can shape tomorrow’s health today!

On Thursday 27, March we opened our annual theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow's Health Today’ with an inspiring Lunch Talk Meeting led by Tessa Roseboom (Future Generations Commissioner Amsterdam UMC). During this meeting, Tessa inspired the attendees to think about how our actions today impact the environment in which future generations are shaped and will live. She showed that health starts early in life, and that investing in a healthy environment during the earliest phases of development is one of the best investments for a hopeful healthy future. Research at AR&D focuses on this early period of human development and has the potential to support the UN Declarationon Future Generations, and is in line with Amsterdam UMC’s new strategy ‘A Healthy Future for All’.

Tessa left everyone with a beautiful assignment. All attendees got to pick a book, which she had brought, to read with the assignment to formulate what they do to contribute to healthy future generations. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn for all the concrete plans #healthybeginningshopefulfutures!

During the Lunch Talk Meeting, the AR&D Research Grant 2025 was announced. In line with the annual theme, with this years’ AR&D Research Grant, we are taking action to contribute to the foundations we want to lay for future generations. In doing so we not only add to the ambition of Amsterdam UMC to strive for ‘a healthy future for all‘, but also put into practice action 28 of the Pact for the Future, part of the recently signed UN Declaration on Future Generations, which states ‘seize the opportunities presented by science, technology and innovation for the benefit of people and planet’. For the eligibility requirements and the application form, please visit the AR&D website.

The next AR&D event dedicated to ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Health Today, will be the AR&D Symposium on June 19, where we will reflect on our responsibility to create a world in which everyone can thrive. This event will bring together researchers, professionals, and experts for an engaging and inspiring day of discussions, insights, and collaboration. Join us in exploring how science can improve health and foster a sustainable future for generations to come.