Welcome to Pontem, the online community for Caribbean research without boundaries.

Pontem has the ambition to provide a common virtual space for the scattered communities of scholars, scientists, students and professionals on (and from) the Dutch Caribbean islands. The platform brings together people, knowledge, information and experiences. Pontem (meaning 'bridge’ in Latin) originated from the demand and the needs of (young) Caribbean researchers for a common virtual home and meeting place. The platform has been realized in collaboration with the Dutch Research Council NWO.

Who is Pontem for?

Pontem is the online community for all research and researchers with a strong connection to the Caribbean region. We also welcome non-researchers with a strong connection to research and the Caribbean.

Pontem lowers the threshold to get in touch with each other, exchange ideas, share information and jointly increase opportunities. By combining forces we can work on solutions for tomorrow in a much more effective way. Potem is a professional online community of practice with the aim of contributing to, and being part of, the knowledge system and societies of the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Join us!

This community is by registration only. If you are interested or have any questions about registration, please contact the community coach.

What to expect

The platform is all about collaborating, sharing knowledge, bridging the literal distance between the islands, with the Netherlands and other parts of the world, achieving and sharing results, getting the best out of ourselves, presenting research, learning, networking, meeting, philosophizing and discussing. All this takes place within a number of themes in which there is room for questions, research news, research output, events, vacancies and much more all with a scientific undertone. As a closed platform, Pontem provides the community with a safe environment in which in-depth interaction and discussion can take place. No algorithms or marketing techniques are in place, ensuring that every voice can be heard and every face can be seen.