The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Dutch: Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu or simply RIVM) is a Dutch research institute that is an independent agency of the 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.

[citation needed] RIVM was founded in 1910 when the Central Laboratory for Public Health was created.

[4] By July 2021, the RIVM, which was a reference laboratory for the World Health Organization, recognized five types of COVID test technology:[5] On 13 August 2021, government announced with RIVM approval that "From 30 August social distancing will no longer be required at secondary vocational schools (MBOs), higher professional education institutions (HBOs) and universities.

"[9] The RIVM organisation consists of three domains with specific knowledge and expertise: Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology (Centre for Infectious Disease Control), Environment and Safety (including environmental incident service), Public Health and Health Services (including food and food safety).