The Story of Erasmus MC Graduate School

Thinkers who act. At Erasmus MC Graduate School we connect fundamental and practical research with results. Here is where (international) students become trained scientists, and where PhD candidates conduct research that makes a difference - for science and the wider community. This is because we measure success not only in terms of international recognition and scientific publications, but also, crucially, in terms of our impact on the health and well-being of society.

This is an era of major changes. We are driven by the needs that exist in society and by the opportunities offered by innovation. We develop new research paradigms about health and well-being in society. New ways of thinking – and of doing. We have moved from conducting research on people, to conducting research with people. In this process, we take inspiration from our home base, Rotterdam. As the largest university medical center in the Netherlands, we feel that no ambition is too big: every good idea can prove to be successful here. This is the place where passion generates impact.

We offer a variety of Research Masters and PhD education, ranging from fundamental clinical research to research that is fully interlinked with social projects. What connects us is our commitment to our students, with extensive personal guidance and space for them to develop initiatives. An organization with little hierarchy, a great deal of interdisciplinary collaboration and lots of opportunities for new ideas. We are never complacent, we are open to other points of view and work together with Delft University of Technology, EUR and our social partners. That's where we find inspiration for research that makes an impact.

We challenge students and PhD candidates to pursue their own interests. They receive guidance from committed supervisors and set up their own research. This helps them develop into self-reliant and autonomous scientists who are driven by curiosity. In many of our Research Masters, you will join a research group right from the start and have your own supervisor. You are encouraged to learn about the disciplines of your fellow students, for example through the annual symposium. Our students become inspired connectors who work from an interdisciplinary perspective. They understand the language of doctors and nurses, engineers and data scientists, and sociologists and economists. Many of them stay on after graduation or do a PhD trajectory in science, while others find employment in other sectors.

Our aim here at Erasmus MC Graduate School is to get the best out of ourselves and each other, for and in cooperation with science and society at large. At the School we contribute to a healthier future for Rotterdam, the Netherlands and far beyond. This is a place where passionate students and researchers can flourish. Because this is where thinking and doing produce real results.