The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) collects and combines knowledge in order to place this at the disposal of others. To this end, we collaborate, both nationally and internationally, with partners, commissioning clients and other parties.

In The Netherlands, we collaborate with various universities and research bodies, such as TNO, NIVEL and KNMI. Our contacts with planning offices are also important. And we have close, functional links with, for example, municipalities, provinces and municipal public health services.

Much of our international work is carried out in a European context. We also collaborate with UN United Nations  (United Nations ) organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We also have partnerships with specific countries, such as China as regards influenza and food, and Turkey as regards environmental matters.

RIVM's role in these partnerships varies. In some cases we act as a consultant or research partner, in others, we act as a director or project coordinator.