Meet our Founding Partners: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

SALTA (Salinity and Freshwater Transition Alliance) is a national knowledge cluster dedicated to addressing one of the most urgent water-related challenges in the Netherlands: salinization. In this series, we introduce our founding partners  the organizations that helped launch SALTA and continue to shape its mission and direction.

We begin with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) a university known for its societal engagement and interdisciplinary research. At SALTA, Dr. Katarzyna (Kate) Negacz, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) and Department of Environmental Policy Analysis (EPA), plays a key role in bridging science and practice.

Why is the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam a founding partner of SALTA?
Salinization directly affects agriculture, nature, and water systems: all of which are central to environmental research at the VU. As a founding partner, the VU contributes in-depth scientific knowledge and benefits from SALTA’s platform to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts

Q&A The VU’s Perspective

1. What role does salinization play for your organization, and why is collaboration so important?
   “We research the potential of food production on saline soils. But science alone is not enough. Solutions only emerge when researchers, farmers, businesses, and policymakers work together. SALTA enables that collaboration”.
   
   
2. What does SALTA make possible that wasn’t before?
   “Before SALTA, national efforts were often scattered and uncoordinated. SALTA acts as a matchmaker and bridge-builder, aligning questions, research, and initiatives across the country”.

• What impact do you expect SALTA to have on the Dutch coastal region?
  “SALTA, as a national cluster dedicated solely to salinization, ensures that local insights are shared nationally and that a structural, long-term agenda is developed for freshwater transition. Not many countries in Europe have such a strong national networks for salinity”.

• How do you see the collaboration between public and private partners within SALTA?
  “The collaboration among public and private actors is strong and well developed. The next step is to bring NGOs and civil society actors into the network to strengthen inclusivity and public engagement”.

• How does SALTA contribute to a sustainable future for freshwater and saltwater management?
  “SALTA provides a national knowledge base, supports innovation, and helps translate complex issues into practical solutions. It also raises awareness about salinization, which often goes under the radar”.

• What makes SALTA unique compared to other initiatives?
  “Its clear focus, national scope, and connective role. SALTA shouldn’t be a project, but a long-term, growing network that aligns science, policy, and practice”.

• What is the biggest challenge SALTA aims to address?
  “Ensuring active and long-term involvement from members. We need to be very clear about ‘what’s in it for them’ be it knowledge access, visibility, or collaboration opportunities”.

Interested in Joining SALTA?

Whether you’re a public, private, or non-profit organization  SALTA welcomes new members and collaborative partners. If you bring unique expertise, practical challenges, or the drive to contribute to freshwater transition, get in touch: info@salta-cluster.com.

Founding partners, like VU Amsterdam, helped shape SALTA from the start. They are involved in the strategic direction and often contribute core research, policy input, or regional coordination.

Members are organizations or individuals who join SALTA to access and share knowledge, contribute to the national research agenda, and collaborate on solutions. These include farmers, companies, regional authorities, consultancies, and researchers.

As a member, you can:

• Participate in SALTA on Tour and other learning events
• Submit practical questions to the national Salinization Knowledge Agenda
• Connect with other stakeholders for collaboration
• Stay up-to-date with innovations and regional developments

Curious who else helped shape SALTA? Stay tuned we’ll introduce more partners soon.