Mapping Interdisciplinary Practice at UM

Interdisciplinarity is a core principle shaping both research and education. UM aims to break traditional academic boundaries, addressing complex issues such as healthcare, climate change, and migration through collaboration across fields (Maastricht University, n.d.-j).

This vision is visible in UM’s many interdisciplinary institutes, such as:

• CAPHRI, UNU-MERIT, and the Institute of Nanoscopy, which connect researchers in public health, innovation studies, and nanotechnology (Maastricht University, n.d.-k; UNU-MERIT, n.d.; Maastricht University, n.d.-l).
• ECPC, which combines law, data science, and policy to address digital risks, and MARC, which links accounting, information management, and economics (Maastricht University, n.d.-m; Maastricht University, n.d.-n).
  
  

The humanities and social sciences are also central to UM’s interdisciplinary approach:

• The Centre for Gender and Diversity (CGD) studies identity and justice through perspectives from art, sociology, and law (Maastricht University, n.d.-o).
• The Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI) focuses on circular economies, food systems, and urban transitions, often collaborating with policymakers (Maastricht University, n.d.-p).
  
  

Some collaborations extend across borders:

• AMICARE, a partnership with RWTH Aachen, integrates clinical research with industry to address cardiorenal diseases (AMICARE, n.d.).
• Campus Venlo connects nutrition, logistics, and business through applied programmes like Health Food Innovation Management (Maastricht University, n.d.-q).
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UM’s commitment to integration is also reflected in the classroom. Through the:

• YUFE alliance allows students to study at multiple European universities, while joint and double degree programmes offer further international and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Center for European Studies provides a platform for students to engage in international and interdisciplinary education, enhancing their global academic experience (Maastricht University, n.d.-d).
  
  

Interdisciplinarity at UM is not only an ideal. It is embedded in how the university creates, applies, and shares knowledge across academic and professional contexts.