RIVM works on a variety of societal challenges in the field of health, environment and safety. The needs and questions of our commissioners, such as ministries, inspectorates and local authorities define the goals and scope of our work.  These questions often have an international dimension.

There is a great variety in the international activities of RIVM. Our work responds to what is needed in the various areas of our fields of expertise and the national tasks we perform within those areas. Some areas can be characterised by international coordination and regulation. In other areas, it is essential to receive international funding to increase our knowledge base. Harmonisation across Europe is of key importance in some areas. 

International collaboration is key to prevent, detect and respond to zoonotic threats since the spread of zoonotic infections does not stop at borders. RIVM is involved in partnerships with counterparts in other countries and with authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).

RIVM is participating in various research projects and activities aimed at knowledge integration and strengthening One Health collaboration within the Netherlands. For example, RIVM collaborates with the Netherlands Centre for One Health (NCOH). This open innovation network on One Health aims to bring together Dutch research institutes and universities in order to create sustainable research collaborations. RIVM also participates with several institutes within the Netherlands in the Dutch Signalling Forum Zoonoses. Members of the Dutch Signalling Forum Zoonoses (SOZ) • GD Animal Health, Deventer •Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FD), Utrecht University, Utrecht •Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht •Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) • Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC), Utrecht • National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven  

Outbreaks or events involving new or re-emerging zoonoses also occur in the Netherlands. The major outbreak of Q fever from 2007 to 2010, marked a turning point in how the Dutch Government responds to emerging zoonotic diseases. The government recognised that signalling, assessing and controlling zoonoses is essential, especially since new zoonotic diseases will continue to emerge. 

In 1909 the organisation that would later develop into RIVM, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, started out as the "Central Laboratory for the State Inspectorate".  In 2019 we celebrated an important anniversary: 110 years of RIVM. From the start, we have been promoting public health, incorporating environmental protection along the way. This timeline presents the monumental events that took place during these years. See also this serie of photos: 110 years of RIVM: day-to-day work 

Issue four of our quarterly newsletter features news and background information on public health and the environment from the Netherlands. We also inform you about the activities carried out by RIVM.