�����̨

How can societies stay strong in times of crisis and division? That’s the key question driving , a major research project designed to help the Netherlands prepare for disruptive crises. Last Thursday marked its official launch. “By linking academic research with real-world practice, we are developing practical solutions,” says Beatrice de Graaf, one of the project’s key initiators from Utrecht University and Scientific Director of Adapt!.

Working across disciplines

Almost a year ago, the Adapt! team received news that they had been awarded a prestigious Gravity Grant from the . In the months leading up to the official launch, team members worked hard to lay the groundwork. Experts from different organisations and academic fields will join forces to examine how societies in the past have navigated crises. What lessons can help us handle future challenges like pandemics, violent extremism, and natural disasters?

“In the coming years, we will explore what truly makes a difference in polarised times and during crises,” De Graaf explains. “For instance, how a mayor can communicate effectively in a disaster. Or what an ideal NL-Alert message should include and how communities can work together to strengthen social bonds.”

Researchers will approach these issues from multiple perspectives. “History allows us to put today’s challenges into historical context, which we know from research can be incredibly useful. From a psychological standpoint, we will look at small interactions that help people stay connected. And from a public administration angle, we will examine what actions people can take at different levels – whether in their neighbourhoods, workplaces, or even across entire sectors.”

Bridging scholarship and practice

De Graaf founded Adapt! alongside seven other researchers, including Utrecht-based Kees van den Bos and Scott Douglas. The team now has more than thirty members who will work closely with community workers, schools, and local residents. “Societal partners are actively involved in the research from the start. They are not just recipients of knowledge. We work together to refine research questions and experiment with new approaches. This ensures that our knowledge is grounded in both scholarship and real-world practice from day one.”

Together, we already know so much about resilience. We just need to translate that knowledge into action more effectively.

On 13 February, the project Adapt! was officially launched alongside the . “Anyone interested in learning from past crises and applying those lessons is welcome to join,” De Graaf says enthusiastically. “Whether you’re a researcher, teacher, lecturer, or work for the government or an NGO – everyone is looking for ways to be better prepared for crises. And the best part is, together, we already know so much about resilience. We just need to translate that knowledge into action more effectively.”

Adapt! has also set up an Institutions and Society Board, bringing together leaders from key crisis-response initiatives. “For example, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security,” De Graaf notes, “as well as the Commissioner of the National Delta Programme and the Chair of the Association of Dutch Municipalities. They offer advice and help us build partnerships with businesses, government bodies, and community organisations.”

Interdisciplinary research with real impact

Adapt! also aims to strengthen a growing shift within universities: integrating research, education, and societal impact. Interdisciplinary and applied research is being promoted more and more.

“We want to support and train a new generation of researchers who instinctively work this way. Several university lecturers and postdoctoral researchers will take on leading roles, while PhD candidates will have the freedom and support to engage in interdisciplinary and applied research from the start. This project is not just driven by me and the other initiators – we are all in this together.”