VU Dream Teams: discover what happens when talent, ambition, and impact come together
Do you want to get more out of your student life than just lectures and exams? Do you want to collaborate with students from other study programmes, develop yourself, and contribute to solutions for societal challenges?
Then the VU Dream Teams might be something for you.
In a Dream Team, it’s not about the question: “What are you studying?”, but rather: “Who are you?”. Whether you study law, medicine, psychology, AI, business administration, earth sciences, or history: if you get excited about a topic and enjoy working with other motivated students, you are welcome.
More than a degree
A Dream Team brings students from different disciplines together around a socially relevant theme. You work on real-world challenges, learn from each other, and discover how different perspectives lead to innovative solutions.
During your participation, you develop skills that are highly valuable for your future, such as:
- Working in multidisciplinary teams
- Project management
- Entrepreneurship
- Pitching and presenting
- Connecting with companies and societal organisations
- Leadership and innovation
- Conducting research and creating impact
Employers today look beyond just a diploma. It is precisely the experiences you gain alongside your studies that show how you collaborate, take initiative, and demonstrate social engagement. A Dream Team gives you the opportunity to stand out and discover where your talents lie.
What do the six VU Dream Teams do?
1. Pulse Racing
Pulse Racing is committed to people with spinal cord injuries by raising awareness of the possibilities of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). The team has presented at international conferences, supported a rehabilitation centre in Brazil, and saw one of their athletes set a world record during Wings for Life – the first ever participant to do so using FES technology. In September, they will once again attempt to set a world record in Italy. They have also established a fund to expand their presence at more events.
2. Burning Lowlands
Burning Lowlands studies wildfire risks and the role of technology in risk communication. The team presented their research this year and last at EGU in Vienna to thousands of international researchers and worked with partners on developing AI-supported wildfire risk maps. This year, they developed a card game to raise awareness, which will of course be continued next year.
3. VU Vital
This Dream Team aims to determine whether it is possible to make 100 VU/Zuidas employees “one year younger” within half a year. Biological age is used as the key metric and motivation tool. Participants receive physical and mental fitness check-ups, based on which lifestyle advice, rejuvenating exercise activities, and nutrition workshops are offered.
The team will research how participants can best be guided using an app and personal contact. What is the most effective way of communicating? What are valid and reliable tests? What interventions and lifestyle advice are effective? Which types of exercise are motivating?
4. Food Chioces
Food Chioces makes food waste visible and actively tackles it. The team rescued more than 50 kilograms of surplus food at VU and ensured it reached students who could use it. In addition, they built a community of over 500 students and staff who share leftover food via a dedicated WhatsApp group. And this year they are conducting research on the “Schijf van Vijf” (Five Disc of Healthy Eating) in the VU canteen.
5. RISE
These students launched a rocket. Literally. RISE, a collaboration within the VU–UT Alliance, works on sustainable space technology. Last year, the team achieved a world first by successfully landing a rocket powered by biofuel.
6. MIND
Stress under extreme conditions can reduce performance and, in severe cases, lead to PTSD. That is why it is important to measure stress, recovery, and performance changes. This (new) Dream Team studies wearable stress-measurement systems during simulated activities in extreme conditions. It examines physiological stress signals, subjective stress experience, and performance.
Learning by doing
The Dream Teams are part of the Demonstrator Lab (DLab), where students work on concrete solutions to current societal challenges. Here you get the space to test ideas, collaborate with external partners, and gain experience outside the classroom.
You learn how to turn an idea into action, how to bring people along in your story, and how to create real impact. You also receive various trainings to further develop your skills. Keep in mind that this requires a number of hours alongside your studies—around 4 to 8 hours per week.
Make impact. Develop yourself. Meet new people.
The Dream Teams play an important role in connecting education, research, and entrepreneurship.
Do you want to meet students outside your own programme, develop yourself, and contribute to solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges?
Then a VU Dream Team might be exactly what you are looking for.
For more information about the VU Dream Teams, email dreamteams@vu.nl. Or apply directly with a short motivation! Also think about what your added value could be—for example, whether you enjoy contributing to research, organising events, or managing a team’s social media.
Why participate?
As a member of a VU Dream Team, you work on real societal challenges. You:
- Apply your academic knowledge to current issues.
- Work in an interdisciplinary team with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Expand your network with researchers, policymakers, and companies.
- Set up and carry out your own research project.
- Gain practical experience in project management, presenting, collaboration, and leadership.
- Contribute to a more sustainable future.
Experiences of team members
“Last year, I was very enthusiastic to be part of VU Vital. I not only learned a great deal, but also actively contributed to various projects. For example, I set up the promotion of hearing protection, developed a research project, and handled the entire planning. I was able to directly apply my research skills in practice. Moreover, I worked within a theme that perfectly aligns with my future: health and well-being. VU Vital was an inspiring start to my career!”
“Within Food Waste, you don’t only learn about sustainability and behaviour change, but you also actively help set up initiatives that make an impact. From idea to execution—you play a role in the transition toward a CO₂-conscious, zero-waste campus culture.”
“Signing up for PULSE Racing was one of the most valuable choices I made during my Master’s in Human Movement Sciences. It gave me the opportunity to step outside the lecture halls and truly apply what I had learned—working directly with patients and gaining practical experience. What made it even more valuable was the personal growth that came with it. I discovered what motivates me, how I function best in a team, and where my strengths and weaknesses lie. It was more than a project; it was a year in which I learned more about myself, teamwork, and the application of my studies than in any lecture, group assignment, or tutorial. The best part was the inspiring people I worked with and everything I learned about inclusivity, FES, and rehabilitation. Being part of PULSE Racing has shaped me and given me the confidence to take the next step after my studies.”
— Renske, Master’s student Human Movement Sciences
“When I started with Burning Lowlands, I knew little about wildfires. But over the year I learned a great deal. Working with people from different backgrounds was very enjoyable—I even found it more fun than my studies!”
— Eva, History student
“Burning Lowlands was one of the highlights of my studies. Collaborating with students from other disciplines to address wildfire risk in the Netherlands was inspiring and educational. We worked with entrepreneurship and mutual trust. Truly an amazing experience.”
— Melanie, International Business Law student
Want to sign up for a VU Dream Team?
During the introduction week in August, the VU Dream Teams will be present at the information market, so make sure to stop by! Would you like to be part of one of the Dream Teams above? Then apply now and upload your motivation letter and CV!
Do you have additional questions? Send an email to dreamteams@vu.nl and we will get back to you.
Do you have a question for one of the Dream Teams? An idea about how you can contribute? Would you like to join one of the teams next year, or simply stay informed? We’d love to hear from you! Send an email to dreamteams@vu.nl and we will get in touch with you.