# 50 leading research institutes in the Netherlands

Tamtam tracks 102 research institutes headquartered in the Netherlands. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC and Utrecht University. Their median headcount is 3,564. Half of them were founded in 1961 or later. The most common headquarters are Amsterdam (11), The Hague (6) and Heerlen (3).

The research institutes in the Netherlands are primarily large university medical centers and research-focused universities. These organizations, such as Amsterdam UMC, which provides patient care, advanced treatment, and research, and Utrecht University, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, form a significant part of the Dutch research landscape. Other notable entities include Delft University of Technology, focusing on technological development, and Wageningen University & Research, dedicated to healthy food and living environments.

A clear pattern in the data is the concentration of these institutes in major cities. Amsterdam, for example, hosts Amsterdam UMC, the University of Amsterdam, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Similarly, Leiden is home to Leiden University Medical Center and Leiden University, indicating a geographic clustering of research and higher education institutions across the country.

🇳🇱 Netherlands · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Amsterdam UMC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amsterdam-umc) (amsterdamumc.org)<br>A leading medical university centers in Amsterdam, focusing on providing excellent patient care, advanced treatment, teaching, training, and cutting-edge research | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 18,288 |  |
| 2 | [Erasmus MC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/erasmus-mc) (erasmusmc.nl)<br>Leading university medical center providing advanced healthcare, cutting-edge research, and high-quality education focused on complex and rare medical conditions. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Rotterdam | 14,228 | 2002 |
| 3 | [Utrecht University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/utrecht-university) (uu.nl)<br>A research-focused university in Utrecht fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering students, and creating impactful contributions to society for present and future generations | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Utrecht | 11,444 | 1636 |
| 4 | [University of Amsterdam](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-amsterdam) (uva.nl)<br>A large and diverse university in Amsterdam, fostering individuality, creativity, and innovation through research, education, and collaboration to address global challenges | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 11,245 |  |
| 5 | [Delft University of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/delft-university-of-technology) (tudelft.nl)<br>Top European university focused on technological development and research for a better society, with key areas including health, energy, environment, and infrastructure | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Delft | 10,093 | 1842 |
| 6 | [Radboudumc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/radboudumc) (radboudumc.nl)<br>Leading academic center for medical science, education, and patient care; connecting research, education, and patient care for future healthcare and medical science. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Nijmegen | 9,995 | 1956 |
| 7 | [Wageningen University & Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wageningen-university-and-research) (wur.nl)<br>Education and research focused on healthy food and living environments, combining natural and social sciences for practical scientific breakthroughs. | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Wageningen | 9,227 | 1918 |
| 8 | [Leiden University Medical Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leiden-university-medical-center) (lumc.nl)<br>A medical center focused on improving patient care through scientific research, providing specialized treatments, and serving as a referral center for complex medical questions | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Leiden | 8,812 |  |
| 9 | [Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vrije-universiteit-amsterdam-vu-amsterdam) (vu.nl)<br>Focus on discovering and developing individual talents and ideas to unlock potential and create new opportunities for growth. | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 8,758 | 1880 |
| 10 | [Leiden University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leiden-university) (universiteitleiden.nl)<br>Offers diverse bachelor's and master's programs, renowned for academic excellence, preparing students for global employment opportunities. | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Leiden | 8,420 |  |
| 11 | [University of Groningen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-groningen) (rug.nl)<br>A top-ranked research university in the Netherlands offering bachelor, master, and PhD programs in English, attracting international students to vibrant Groningen | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Groningen | 8,245 |  |
| 12 | [Radboud University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/radboud-university) (ru.nl)<br>A public university in Nijmegen, Netherlands known for its research focus, established in 1923, offering seven faculties and serving over 19,130 students | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Nijmegen | 7,525 | 1923 |
| 13 | [Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amsterdam-university-of-applied-sciences) (hva.nl)<br>An applied sciences university in Amsterdam offering a wide range of higher education programs, emphasizing practical knowledge, innovation, and collaboration with industries | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 7,408 | 1993 |
| 14 | [Maastricht University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/maastricht-university) (maastrichtuniversity.nl)<br>Youngest Dutch university with a global perspective, offering innovative education and multidisciplinary research and teaching approaches. | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Maastricht | 6,997 | 1976 |
| 15 | [Eindhoven University of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eindhoven-university-of-technology) (tue.nl)<br>Research-driven university focusing on engineering science, technology education, innovation, collaboration with industry, and societal impact through knowledge valorization. | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Eindhoven | 6,792 | 1956 |
| 16 | [VUmc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vumc) (vumc.nl)<br>A leading medical institution in Amsterdam combining expertise to provide top-notch healthcare, educate healthcare professionals, conduct cutting-edge research, and promote healthy living and quality care | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 6,527 | 1966 |
| 17 | [HAN University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/han-university-of-applied-sciences) (han.nl)<br>Providing quality education and research through a wide range of programs, the company focuses on academic excellence, innovation, and strong community bonds | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Arnhem | 6,067 |  |
| 18 | [TNO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tno) (tno.nl)<br>An independent organization specializing in applied research, connecting people and knowledge to drive innovations for industry competitiveness and societal well-being sustainably | Research Services | 🇳🇱 2595 DA The Hague | 5,866 | 1932 |
| 19 | [University of Twente](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-twente) (utwente.nl)<br>A forward-thinking university with 3,300 professionals conducting cutting-edge research, driving innovation, and providing inspiring education for over 12,000 students | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Enschede | 5,632 | 1961 |
| 20 | [Maastricht UMC+](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/maastricht-umc) (mumc.nl)<br>The company is an academic hospital specializing in patient care, education, and research, with a focus on customer service, quality of care, and reducing wait times | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Maastricht | 5,054 | 1987 |
| 21 | [Hanze](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hanze) (hanze.nl)<br>A knowledge institution providing education and conducting applied research, aiming to share talent and make a global impact #hanze | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Groningen | 4,470 | 1798 |
| 22 | [Saxion University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saxion-university-of-applied-sciences) (saxion.nl)<br>A university of applied sciences in the Netherlands offering Bachelor and Master programs, short courses, and preparatory courses in English to local and international students | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Enschede / Deventer / Apeldoorn | 4,348 | 1998 |
| 23 | [Tilburg University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tilburg-university) (tilburguniversity.edu)<br>An institution offering high-quality education and research, collaborating with various stakeholders to create new insights and solutions for understanding society | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Tilburg | 4,238 | 1927 |
| 24 | [Erasmus University Rotterdam](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/erasmus-university-rotterdam) (eur.nl)<br>University specializing in economics, medicine, law, and culture, offering education, research, and career development opportunities in Rotterdam. | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Rotterdam | 4,008 | 1913 |
| 25 | [De Haagse Hogeschool / The Hague University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/de-haagse-hogeschool-the-hague-university-of-applied-sciences) (dehaagsehogeschool.nl)<br>Higher education institution offering a variety of programmes to over 20,000 students from 140+ countries, prioritizing inclusion, sustainability, and internationality | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 3,564 | 1987 |
| 26 | [RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rivm-national-institute-for-public-health-and-the-environment) (rivm.nl)<br>A government agency focused on promoting health and sustainability through scientific research, policy support, prevention programs, and knowledge sharing at national and international levels | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Bilthoven | 3,062 | 1909 |
| 27 | [Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centraal-bureau-voor-de-statistiek) (cbs.nl)<br>A data collection and processing agency that publishes statistics for practical use, policymaking, and research, covering various societal aspects | Government Administration | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 2,786 | 1899 |
| 28 | [NHL Stenden](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nhl-stenden) (nhlstenden.com)<br>Nurturing talents through hands-on collaboration with industry partners, offering innovative study programs with flexible learning options and providing career opportunities | Education Administration Programs | 🇳🇱 Leeuwarden | 2,630 | 2018 |
| 29 | [Antoni van Leeuwenhoek](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/antoni-van-leeuwenhoek) (avl.nl)<br>A renowned research institution and hospital specializing in cancer care, known for its innovative approach and commitment to providing the best treatments for patients | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 2,562 | 1913 |
| 30 | [Zuyd University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zuyd-university-of-applied-sciences) (zuyd.nl)<br>Empowering individuals to develop their unique talents for a better future through education, research, and support in a top Dutch university | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Heerlen | 2,391 | 2001 |
| 31 | [Politieacademie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/politieacademie) (politieacademie.nl)<br>The company focuses on training, research, and knowledge development for police officers, working with students, practitioners, and international partners to build a strong future for law enforcement | Public Safety | 🇳🇱 Apeldoorn | 2,126 |  |
| 32 | [Sanquin](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sanquin) (sanquin.nl)<br>Sanquin processes blood and plasma donations to create life-saving products, conducts medical research, and seeks innovative solutions for various medical conditions worldwide | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 1,872 | 1998 |
| 33 | [Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prinses-maxima-centrum-voor-kinderoncologie) (prinsesmaximacentrum.nl)<br>A unique initiative in the Netherlands bringing top expertise in pediatric oncology together to improve quality of care and survival rates for children with cancer | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Utrecht | 1,778 | 2018 |
| 34 | [Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rotterdam-school-of-management-erasmus-university) (rsm.nl)<br>A top-ranked business school in Europe offering education and research to develop international business leaders with an innovative mindset for a sustainable future | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Rotterdam | 1,474 | 1970 |
| 35 | [Open Universiteit](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/open-universiteit) (ou.nl)<br>An independent institute in the Netherlands and Flanders offering top-quality distance learning at university level, focusing on lifelong learning and educational innovation | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Heerlen | 1,356 | 1984 |
| 36 | [NRG PALLAS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nrg-pallas) (nrgpallas.com)<br>Internationally-operating nuclear service provider supplying medical and industrial isotopes to various sectors, including healthcare, energy, industry, government, and science worldwide | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Petten | 1,313 | 1998 |
| 37 | [Deltares](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deltares) (deltares.nl)<br>An independent research institute specializing in water and subsurface solutions for deltas, coastal regions, and river basins, collaborating with various stakeholders worldwide | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Delft | 1,115 | 2008 |
| 38 | [Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/van-hall-larenstein-university-of-applied-sciences) (hvhl.nl)<br>A sustainable University of Applied Sciences offering bachelor and master programs, research, and partnerships to create a better world through innovation and impact | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Velp | 1,111 | 1912 |
| 39 | [NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nlr-netherlands-aerospace-centre) (nlr.org)<br>The company focuses on developing technologies for aviation and space to make air operations safer, more sustainable, and efficient | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 1,083 | 1919 |
| 40 | [NWO (Dutch Research Council)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nwo-dutch-research-council) (nwo.nl)<br>Leading science-funding body in the Netherlands investing in research projects, promoting collaboration, innovation, and knowledge utilization in various disciplines | Research Services | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 1,052 |  |
| 41 | [Zuyd Hogeschool \| Zuyd University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zuyd-hogeschool-zuyd-university-of-applied-sciences) (zuyd.nl)<br>A regional knowledge institute focusing on developing and transferring practical knowledge, training future professionals, offering programs for professionals, and conducting research in collaboration with industry | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Heerlen | 1,030 | 2001 |
| 42 | [ZonMw](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zonmw) (zonmw.nl)<br>ZonMw funds research and innovation in health, care, and welfare to promote good health for all by advancing knowledge and identifying research needs | Research Services | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 962 | 2001 |
| 43 | [Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/centrum-wiskunde-and-informatica) (cwi.nl)<br>A Dutch research institute specializing in mathematics and computer science, focused on algorithms, data systems, cryptography, security, and quantum computing | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 902 | 1946 |
| 44 | [Netherlands Forensic Institute NFI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/netherlands-forensic-institute-nfi) (forensischinstituut.nl)<br>providing reliable forensic information and products to support national and international organizations in peace, justice, and safety efforts | Research Services | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 758 | 1999 |
| 45 | [The Netherlands Cancer Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-netherlands-cancer-institute) (nki.nl)<br>Internationally recognized cancer research center with integrated clinic, focusing on molecular oncology, cancer immunology, precision medicine, image guided interventions, and survivorship research | Research Services | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 706 | 1913 |
| 46 | [ARQ Nationaal Psychotrauma Centrum](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/arq-nationaal-psychotrauma-centrum) (arq.org)<br>A leading center for psychotrauma expertise, offering preventive support, research, education, and treatment for individuals and organizations worldwide with a focus on innovation | Mental Health Care | 🇳🇱 Diemen | 701 |  |
| 47 | [Naturalis Biodiversity Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/naturalis-biodiversity-center) (naturalis.nl)<br>The company is dedicated to recording all life on Earth, researching nature to preserve biodiversity, and contributing to solutions for global issues | Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos | 🇳🇱 Leiden | 690 | 1820 |
| 48 | [KB nationale bibliotheek](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kb-nationale-bibliotheek) (kb.nl)<br>National library of the Netherlands advancing intellectual development, creativity, and collaboration with public libraries, cultural heritage, and academics for enhanced access to Dutch Library Collection | Libraries | 🇳🇱 The Hague | 657 | 1798 |
| 49 | [Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid (NIPV)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nederlands-instituut-publieke-veiligheid-nipv) (nipv.nl)<br>The IFV strengthens fire services, disaster response, and crisis management for safety regions through policy support, expertise, and research | Higher Education | 🇳🇱 Arnhem | 639 |  |
| 50 | [ACTA (Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/acta-academisch-centrum-tandheelkunde-amsterdam) (acta.nl)<br>A leading academic center for dentistry in Amsterdam, conducting research, providing patient care, and offering one of the largest dental education programs globally | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇳🇱 Amsterdam | 637 | 1984 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in the Netherlands

- [The largest companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-netherlands) (12,236)
- [Multinational companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-netherlands) (2,510)
- [Retail chains in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-netherlands) (1,138)
- [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-netherlands) (825)
- [Logistics companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-netherlands) (791)
- [Manufacturers in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-netherlands) (770)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-netherlands) (765)
- [SaaS companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-netherlands) (758)
- [Software Development companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-netherlands) (748)
- [Professional services firms in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-netherlands) (739)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-netherlands) (738)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-netherlands) (690)
- [Financial services firms in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-netherlands) (688)
- [Healthcare providers in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-netherlands) (675)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-netherlands) (620)
- [Family-owned companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-netherlands) (617)
- [IT services companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-netherlands) (585)
- [Financial Services companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-netherlands) (572)
- [Consulting firms in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-netherlands) (568)
- [Hotel and hospitality groups in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitality-groups-netherlands) (514)
- [Truck Transportation companies in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/truck-transportation-companies-netherlands) (514)
- [Hardware manufacturers in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-netherlands) (447)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-netherlands) (427)
- [Companies with a mobile app in the Netherlands](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-netherlands) (411)

## The same list elsewhere in Netherlands

- [Research institutes in South Holland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-south-holland) (33)
- [Research institutes in North Holland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-north-holland) (25)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-europe) (2,713)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-netherlands