2021
What we see happening in the world, and what
we want to contribute.
We live in a world that is rapidly changing. Global
issues are complex: they are not limited
to generations or continents and cannot be solved
from one single perspective.
Themes such as climate
change, distribution of wealth and healthy living require an interdisciplinary approach.
Scientific insights are needed to solve these issues.
OUR VISION - WHAT WE SEE HAPPENING IN THE WORLD
We live in a world that is rapidly changing. Global
issues are complex: they are not limited
to generations or continents and cannot be solved
from one single perspective.
Themes such as climate
change, distribution of wealth and healthy living require an interdisciplinary approach.
Scientific insights are needed to solve these issues.
OUR VISION - WHAT WE SEE HAPPENING IN THE WORLD
We live in a world that is rapidly changing. Global
issues are complex: they are not limited
to generations or continents and cannot be solved
from one single perspective.
We are working
towards a better world.
We do this by researching complex issues beyond
the borders of disciplines.
When it comes to solving the problems of the world, we aim high.
We want to give direction
to necessary transformations.
We see the university as a catalyst for change.
That is the contribution
we want to make to society.
OUR AMBITION - HOW WE FULFIL OUR MISSION
We want to give direction
to necessary transformations.
We see the university as a catalyst for change.
We believe in
Team science
Pioneering
Open science
Our research
Achievements
ACADEMIC OUTPUT
7,400
NOBEL PRIZES SPINOZA PRIZES
publications 12 19
600+dissertations
To meet the challenges we set for ourselves, we have divided our research in four major strategic themes.
PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABILITY DYNAMICS OF YOUTH
INSTITUTIONS FOR OPEN SOCIETIES LIFE SCIENCES
• Strong links between teaching
& research
• Integrated approach to academic/scientific and societal issues
• Strong disciplinary research programmes
• Eleven interdisciplinary focus areas
Pathways to Sustainability
Researchers from
the humanities, social and natural sciences work together with external partners to develop a more sustainable society.
Dynamics of Youth
How can we help our children develop into balanced individuals, that are able to function successfully in a rapidly changing environment?
Institutions for Open Societies
We conduct research on the formal and informal rules (institutions) of human action. Why do societies develop so divergently? And how
do institutions contribute to the formation of open and sustainable societies?
Life Sciences
Creating sustainable
solutions that improve the wellbeing of animals and humans by combining knowledge and
technologies ranging from the molecular to
the population level.
Collaboration within hubs
Hubs are the ultimate representation of a new way of thinking: one that is not based on the application or
‘valorisation’ of previously acquired academic knowledge but on joining forces with others to ponder research
questions and strategies.
Together with our partners, we are tackling fourteen key societal challenges.
Our teaching
Facts & Figures
PROFESSORS
>650
FACULTIES
teaching institutes
7+2
STUDENTS
>20,000 Bachelor
>11,000 Master
>2,510 International 118 Nationalities
>35,000
Facts & Figures
BACHELOR’S PROGRAMMES
Dutch
47
MASTER’S PROGRAMMES ALUMNI
>195,000
English
7
Dutch
51
English
109
Educational Innovation
• Blended learning
supported by Educate-it
• Teaching and Learning
• LabUtrecht Incentive Fund for Educational
innovation:
2 million per year
EDUCATE-IT
TEACHING AND LEARNING LAB
Utrecht Education Model
One university-wide teaching model
• Teaching in small groups
• mid-assessment (feedback) during every course
• Uniform timeslot model facilitating interdisciplinairy education
• Honours education in every faculty
TEACHING IN SMALL GROUPS
HONOURS EDUCATION
Teacher Empowerment
Centre for Academic Teaching
connecting, empowering and enhancing the university-wide
teaching and learning community
• Community
• Advanced programmes
• Supporting academic careers with emphasis education
(anno 2019 >30 full professorships)
We are a wide-range, international research university of high standing.
Established in 1636.
SHANGHAI RANKING 2021
1 15 50
Societal impact
Societal impact – Incluusion
“I don’t like telling people I am a
refugee.
Now I can say I’m a student.”
Yves from Burundi
Societal impact – Incluusion
>300 164 >200 40%40% Syriavarious African countries
20% other countries (Turkey, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc.)
APPLICANTS PARTICIPANT COURSES NATIONALITIES
Societal impact – Entrepreneurship
23 14 2,700 2,300 16%
+35% since 2014
BACHELOR COURSES RELATED
TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP MASTER COURSES RELATED
TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP BACHELOR STUDENTS
PARTICIPATED (2014-2017)* MASTER STUDENTS
PARTICIPATED (2014-2017)* PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN 2017
Societal impact – Public engagement
SUMMERSCHOOL JR. MEET THE PROFESSOR
STUDIUM GENERALE – BETWETERFESTIVAL
Societal impact – Studium Generale
The public platform for knowledge & reflection of Utrecht University,
organizes public events
with scientists and thinkers at the interface of science and society, including
lectures, talk shows and movie screenings.
UNIVERSITEITSMUSEUM – WEEKEND VAN DE WETENSCHAP
Societal impact – Universiteitsmuseum
We aim to operate at the forefront of Open Science and valorisation. This
includes involving a broader audience in
research and sharing our knowledge for societal benefit.
Societal impact – In the media
Utrecht University and their researchers are often asked by national and international media to share their insights in societal relevant issues. This way the university shares its knowledge with a larger audience and shows we are working at a better future for everyone.
4,629x 1,136x 290x
(2017)
NEWSPAPER & NEWS SITES RADIO TELEVISION
University wide partners
Most important university wide partners
Building a European University Network
The university in Utrecht
Two locations
CITY CENTRE UTRECHT SCIENCE PARK
Three campuses
UTRECHT SCIENCE PARK CAMPUS INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS CITY CAMPUS
We are part of Utrecht Science Park
LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTH
SUSTAINABILITY 100+ COMPANIES AND
INSTITUTIONS 322 HECTARES 5,000 NEW JOBS BETWEEN
2015-2020 €1,2 BILLION INVESTMENT
PROGRAMME 2016-2020
26,000 EMPLOYEES 56,000 STUDENTS 45 MINUTES TO AMSTERDAM
AIRPORT SATELLITE LOCATIONS
IN REGION MOST COMPETITIVE REGION
IN EUROPE
