Working environment at NIOO

At NIOO, we work with a diverse group of people towards our strategic goals. We have colleagues from different countries. At least 30 different nationalities are represented. Junior talent is mentored by senior colleagues with reputations within the (inter)national research world.

There is an inspiring and positive atmosphere where colleagues are encouraged to give their best and work together. The connection with each other is found in various ways. Professionally by meeting each other at departmental meetings, NIOO seminars and research days. Socially by the activities organised by the NIOO ‘Party planners’.

Together, we ensure a working environment in which everyone feels welcome, challenged and supported. A working environment that pays attention to individual qualities and in which development opportunities for employees are prioritised. An inclusive culture is important to us. We respect and embrace differences, based on the idea that diversity leads to greater creativity, multidisciplinary innovation and considered decision-making.

All this in a modern building, which has become an architectural eye-catcher that reflects the ecological research taking place in it. It is one of the most sustainable buildings in the Netherlands.

Development opportunities

We consider developing talent, training and the right guidance for development essential.

At NIOO, training courses are regularly provided and intervision meetings are organised for specific target groups, in which people learn with and from each other. The NIOO seminar committee organises seminars on a regular basis where speakers, often from outside the NIOO, inspire us with their stories.

In addition, the Centre for Career & Development (CLO) was created for all institutes within the KNAW. You can turn to them with all your questions about (career) development and training opportunities. The CLO offers a wide range of in-company courses and works together with career counsellors and coaches. You can also submit your own application for a course, training or other career activity.

Collaborative partnerships

Working at NIOO means collaborating with many national and international researchers, other knowledge institutions, governments, industry and societal organisations.

Public-private partnerships with nature organisations, companies and governments form the basis for NIOO to share research results with parties that want to apply these findings.

The cooperation with universities is for example reflected in the twelve professorships attached to six (out of seven) Dutch universities with a biology degree and also a technical university.

In addition, NIOO places value on international cooperation, for example through international co-authorships of scientific publications and appointments of NIOO staff at foreign universities.