RIVM is a centre of expertise. We provide building blocks for national and international policy, support supervisory services and have statutory responsibilities in the broad field of public health, nutrition, environment and nature.  Knowledgeable and committed staff constitute our working capital.

The RIVM has a public task. We work on subjects of political and societal relevance by order of government bodies in general, and three ministries in particular: Health, Welfare and Sport; Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, and Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Quality. In fulfilling our task we also cooperate with international bodies such as the European Union and United Nations organisations, including WHO, FAO and UNEP. 

RIVM monitors and keeps watch. As a centre of expertise we keep a close watch on developments in public health, nutrition, the environment and nature. This involves not only monitoring actual situations, but also conducting risk analyses, and developing methodologies and models for policy designed to set standards at national and international levels. 

RIVM protects. We offer support and knowledge, both in the prevention of health, food and environmental calamities, and in the efforts to deal with calamities that are unavoidable. We advise on the design and safety aspects of the National Vaccination Programme (NVI) by testing and evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines.

RIVM forecasts the future. We signal trends and draw up scenarios, either as part our regular activities or on an incidental or thematic basis.

RIVM joins forces and generates knowledge. We generate knowledge, apply knowledge and integrate the knowledge available worldwide into informative reports for policy-makers. We cooperate as a matter of course with different disciplines and centres of expertise in the Netherlands and around the world, from local researchers and universities to research departments and planning agencies, such as the organisations of the UN. 

RIVM values quality. We work on the basis of clear assignments, deliver how and when we promise and keep an eye on costs. Scientific supervision, certification, reviews, and national and international audits ensure quality safeguards. This is why we value autonomy in the conducting and publishing of our research.