Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Our Scientific Director, Eveline van Leeuwen, set the tone by reflecting on last year’s theme, “Out of the Ivory Tower, into the City.” The impact of this focus has been captured in our first-ever Impact Digest, a brand-new publication soon to be released. Eveline then introduced this year’s theme, “Reinventing the City: Connecting the Dots, Closing the Loops.”, which will also guide the AMS Scientific Conference 2026, encouraging us to explore how connecting dots and closing loops can drive sustainable, resilient urban futures.
Keynote by Fábio Duarte
Fábio Duarte (MIT Senseable City Lab & AMS Principal Investigator) delivered the keynote. Sharing some of the most impactful and bold projects from MIT Senseable City Lab, he urged us to “be bold, be surprised, be uncomfortable” and embrace unexpected connections in research and practice. His talk illustrated how crossing boundaries between disciplines and perspectives can spark genuine innovation for cities.
Panel: Science-Based Solutions for Just Cities
A lively panel discussion followed, bringing together Kim Aplonia Poldner (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences / University of Groningen), Tina Comes (TU Delft / 4TU), Jan Jorrit Hasselaar (VU Amsterdam), and MADE students Layne Perry, Michelle D., and Lalith Aaditya Karthikeyan. Together, they explored the question: How can science-based solutions help create cities that are resilient, regenerative, and just? It was inspiring to see students, researchers, and professionals exchange ideas side by side, highlighting that the future of cities is something we all shape together.
Closing & Conversations
The program closed with words from our Managing Director, Zwanet van Lubek, who looked ahead to the AMS Scientific Conference 2026 and the soon-to-be-launched call for abstracts. The formal program transitioned into an informal gathering, where conversations flowed and new connections were made. This reminded us that reinventing the city is not just a theme but a collective effort already underway.
Introduction days: Welcoming the MSc MADE Class of 2028
The start of the academic year also marked the arrival of the newest MSc MADE cohort. On August 28–29, AMS Institute buzzed with energy as first-year students began their journey with two days of introductions, inspiration, and exploration.
The program began with a warm welcome from the AMS Education team, words of encouragement from Zwanet van Lubek, and a lively introduction by the MADE IT student association. After getting acquainted with the Marineterrein campus and AMS building through guided tours, students wrapped up the first day, an ideal start to building friendships and community.
Day two included a student panel, where second-year MADE students shared their experiences, advice, and stories. The newcomers then jumped on their bikes to tour several Living Lab locations, connecting theory to practice while exploring the city they’ll help shape over the coming years.
The introduction days were filled with information, inspiration, and connection—setting the stage for the years ahead.
A Year of Bold Ideas and New Connections
With the theme “Reinventing the City: Connecting the Dots, Closing the Loops” as our guide, this year at AMS Institute promises fresh collaborations, bold ideas, and tangible contributions to metropolitan challenges, both here in Amsterdam and around the world.
Welcome (back) to all our students, partners, and collaborators. Here’s to another year of making an impact together.
Special thanks to our MADE IT Board members, Minqiu Korevaar, Nathalie Waelbroeck, Antoine Lenweiter, Julia van Raamsdonk, Veerle Sanders, Alua Akhmet, and Jaap Wittenberg, for collaborating on this article.