SEVEN is the climate institute of the University of Amsterdam, bringing together the knowledge of all 7 faculties of the UvA: Economics and Business, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Amsterdam Law School, and the Faculty of Dentistry.

We deploy this UvA-wide knowledge to combat climate change and make vulnerable societies, anywhere in the world, more resilient. Radical and transformative changes are needed to achieve the agreed climate goals. To contribute to this, we always adopt a system perspective and an inter- and transdisciplinary working method, bringing together all the knowledge and expertise available within the UvA. 

The symbolism of 7

The name SEVEN not only stands for collaboration of all 7 UvA faculties. The number 7 symbolizes completeness, wisdom, and enlightenment in many cultures, religions, and traditions. We were particularly inspired by the ideas of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The constitution of this federation of native North American peoples, better known as the Iroquois, dictates that in everything we do, we should consider not only the consequences for those who live now but also the consequences for the seven generations after us. We are also urged to show moral courage and act according to our moral compass:

‘Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground – the unborn of the future Nation.’

It is about making the choices today that are not only good for us, but also for those who will inherit this planet long after us. To this, SEVEN aims to contribute.

Collaboration

Collaboration is an essential part of our approach. We therefore cordially invite scientists, civil society organisations, companies and other external partners to contact us.

SEVEN is led by the SEVEN-team, which represents all participating faculties. The team members are: Peter van Dam, John Grin, Frenk van Harreveld, Ans Kolk, André Nollkaemper, Niek Sperna Weiland, Catherine Volgenant, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh en Bob van der Zwaan.  

SEVEN conducts research and teaching with the participation of the broad UvA community of more than 150 staff with expertise in sustainability, united in the UvA Sustainability Platform (USP).

For more information: Iona Tjiong, Seven@uva.nl