National Institute for Public Health and the Environment


The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, is a Dutch research institute that is an independent agency of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
RIVM performs tasks to promote public health and a safe living environment by conducting research and collecting knowledge worldwide. The results are used to support the Dutch government in formulating its policy. RIVM's primary tasks are:
RIVM is located in Bilthoven and employs over 1500 people, many of whom work in multidisciplinary fields.

History

RIVM was founded in 1910 when the Central Laboratory for Public Health was created and the present size of the institute is the result of a merger between three government institutes in 1984. RIVM has now become a large, complex organisation with many different international links and a range of activities.

Organisation

The RIVM organisation consists of three domains with specific knowledge and expertise: Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Environment and Safety, Public Health and Health Services.