Huddersfield and VU Amsterdam tackle policing, AI & cognitive science challenges
Strengthening its position as a global leader in applied research, the University of Huddersfield is advancing on its collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), one of Europe’s top research universities, to tackle shared challenges across policing, AI and cognitive science.
A senior delegation from the University of Huddersfield, led by Professor John Murray, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), and Professor John Synnott, Director of the Professional Doctoral Academy (Policing), visited VU Amsterdam on 7 and 8 October to progress the institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two universities in May 2025.
This return visit marked the first formal engagement under the agreement and focused on expanding collaboration across key areas of shared strategic importance, including Policing and Security, Health Sciences, Brain Imaging, and Forensic Psychiatry and Artificial Intelligence.
Applied Behavioural and Cognitive Science discussions
The visit began with a welcome from Dr Jasper van der Kemp, Assistant Professor at VU, followed by meetings exploring applied behavioural and cognitive science research.
The Huddersfield team met with Dr Vana Hutter and Dr Raôul Oudejans, members of the VU-ALERT (Amsterdam Law Enforcement Research Team), , to discuss innovative work in movement, learning, and performance science, including recent collaborations with the Dutch Police.
Exploring AI and Computational Linguistics
The delegation also met with Professor Dr Antske Fokkens, University Research Chair in Computational Linguistic Methods and Head of the Computational Linguistics & Text Mining Lab at VU Amsterdam.
Discussions focused on AI and language technology, where Professor Murray shared insights on Huddersfield’s work in Educational AI innovation and the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of generative AI within Higher Education.
A follow-up visit has been arranged for PhD candidates from Huddersfield’s Professional Doctoral Academy to travel to Amsterdam on a knowledge exchange visit. This will progress emerging work within the Doctoral Academy for recently onboarded Metropolitan Police PhD candidates on Victim-Centred Language research, an AI-driven initiative examining bias and inclusivity in policing language.
Collaboration in Brain and Behavioural Science
Further discussions were held with Dr Freek van Ede at the Brain and Behaviour Lab, joined by Dr Jelle Lamsma from the Department of Criminology.
This session focused on opportunities to collaborate on immersive technology and cognitive neuroscience, particularly around national security research, isolated incidents of violent behaviour, and advanced brain imaging applications.
Strengthening Doctoral Pathways
The day concluded with a meeting with Professor Mr Dr Frank van Ommeren, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Mr Dr Wim Huisman, Head of the Department of Criminology and Professor Dr Stijn Ruiter, Endowed professor Evidence-Based policing and program leader of the What Works in Policing Program at the Netherlands Institute for the study of Crime and Law Enforcement.
Discussions centred on shared opportunities for doctoral co-supervision, particularly supporting PhD research within the Dutch Police. Professor Synnott outlined the success of Huddersfield’s Professional Doctoral Academy, which provides the first dedicated home for serving police officers undertaking doctoral research, supported through multi-force partnerships across the UK and internationally.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Murray, Pro Vice Chancellor, said, “VU Amsterdam is a forward-thinking institution with real depth in behavioural science and AI. This partnership aligns perfectly with Huddersfield’s international strategy and focus on research that drives innovation and societal value. It’s been a pleasure to see such enthusiasm for collaboration, and we look forward to building on these discussions in the months ahead.”
On the potential of this partnership Professor Synnott, added, “This visit marks an exciting next step in our growing partnership with VU Amsterdam. We’re connecting two universities with complementary strengths in policing, behavioural science, and AI, and translating that into real collaboration.
“There’s clear potential to extend our Professional Doctoral Academy model into the Netherlands, creating new opportunities for serving police professionals to engage in research that delivers real operational and academic impact.”
Professor Dr Mr Frank van Ommeren, Dean of the Faculty of Law at VU Amsterdam, said,
“It is truly inspiring to witness the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing interdisciplinary and societally impactful research. The emerging collaborations across faculties reflect a mutual dedication to academic excellence and innovation, and we look forward to the promising opportunities this partnership will undoubtedly foster.”
Reaffirming the potential of this relations for Netherlands Law Enforcement professionals in particular Dr Jasper van der Kemp said.
“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to advancing practice-based research and fostering academic-practitioner exchange. By supporting professionals in deepening their expertise and analytical capabilities, we aim to strengthen the foundations of law enforcement and promote evidence-informed approaches to complex societal challenges.
"This initiative creates valuable opportunities for Dutch law enforcement professionals to engage in high-level academic inquiry, expand their skillsets, and contribute meaningfully to the development of innovative and effective policing strategies.”