RIVM employs staff with different backgrounds and expertise. For instance pharmaceutical sciences and policy, epidemiology, immunology, medical biology and technology. RIVM is therefore equipped to provide expert advice on medicines. In addition, RIVM alerts and provides guidance about developments, among others, to ministries. This can inform policy creation or policy adjustments.

Advice about the pharmaceutical chain

RIVM advises on the entire pharmaceutical chain, about quality, safety and sustainability. In addition, RIVM looks into access to medicines and to their effects and risks for public health.

Other topics we advise about are:

  • Law – and regulation;
  • Medicines’ shortages;
  • Safety and (rational) use of medicines;
  • Developments in the quality and safety of substances of human origin;
  • Changes affecting environment and sustainability.

Focus on trends and developments

RIVM monitors closely trends and developments in the field of medicines. This includes:

  • Identifying (technological) innovations in the use of medicines and substances of human origin:
    • at product level, such as borderline products and 3D printing of medicines.
    • at the level of care/use, such as probing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
    • Mapping the consequences of (technological) innovations in healthcare.
    • Developments in the field of sustainability.

Methods at the RIVM

RIVM's advice is drawn up through various methods:

  • Independent scientific research, both qualitative and quantitative.
  • Proactive monitoring of current events and developments.
  • Reactive: incorporating new knowledge into advice for policy, legislation and regulation.
  • Working nationally and internationally, for instance by participating as an expert in committees.
  • Building expertise and competencies within projects   being carried out.
  • Building collaborations with universities and other (government) organizations, such as the CBG-MEB (Medicines  Evaluation Board) and the Institute for Responsible Medicine Use (IVM).
  • We strive to be accessible both to citizens and professionals.

International cooperation

RIVM is involved in various international research projects, for example:

Examples of international studies carried out: