The future of ROA: three young researchers on impact, collaboration and what lies ahead

The three researchers describe their early years at ROA as warm, intensive and formative. Madelon recalls joining eight years ago when the institute was smaller. “Everything was new and exciting, but you could easily walk into anyone’s office. It’s a great place to start your first job.” Stef recognises that feeling. “The projects are so interesting that time flies. And there are social activities like parties and cycling trips. That really makes a difference.” Roy particularly highlights the space to explore. “You’re involved in different projects to figure out what suits you. That’s very valuable.”

What stands out is how often they return to the same words: open, accessible, multidisciplinary. “Your voice is genuinely heard here,” says Stef. “A project leader doesn’t decide everything alone; input from junior staff is taken seriously.” Madelon adds: “We are used to looking at questions from different perspectives. That makes the work intellectually stronger.” Roy also sees this in the newest generation of researchers. “Their ideas are taken on board straight away. It doesn’t matter what your title is.”

The move to TS49, with its own canteen, has further strengthened this culture. “Senior researchers now join lunch much more often,” says Madelon. “That makes it easier to talk to each other and keeps the atmosphere informal.”

When it comes to ROA’s future, the three researchers see both challenges and opportunities. AI plays a major role in this. Stef expects the work of junior researchers to change. “Programming may be partly taken over, but critical thinking will remain essential.” Roy sees another challenge: the growing demand for highly detailed data. “Commissioners want more and more detail, but that can clash with privacy and ethics. Finding the middle ground will be important.” Madelon points to the turnover linked to four-year contracts. “It ensures a constant influx of new people, which is great, but it also means knowledge has to be transferred properly.”

They are optimistic about ROA’s societal role. The policy day for the 40th anniversary is, in their view, a good example of how ROA actively connects with the field. “It’s about not working in parallel worlds, but discussing together what is going on,” says Madelon. Stef sees opportunities in co-organising conferences, while Roy emphasises the importance of collaboration with organisations such as Statistics Netherlands (CBS). “By developing things together, you increase impact.”

What they hope to achieve themselves aligns closely with that vision. Stef aims to grow into an independent researcher. Madelon is finalising her PhD and reflects on the enormous steps she has taken in her development. For Roy, personal growth is key: “You are encouraged here to do things outside your comfort zone. That’s exactly where you learn the most.”

And which values should always remain? The three agree strongly: the open culture and informal atmosphere, the social activities, the flexibility, and above all the independence of the research. “As long as the atmosphere is good,” says Madelon, “collaboration and projects will follow naturally.”