Innovative education
Utrecht University invests in educating the leaders of the future, offering high-quality, innovative education, with a high student pass rate. In the Netherlands, Utrecht University is a pioneer in innovative educational concepts, such as that of the University College. The Utrecht model of education stands for personal and interactive education, flexibility and freedom of choice for students, and permanent professional development for lecturers.
Areas of expertise
The University conducts fundamental and applied research in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary research in Utrecht focuses on four areas of expertise: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Sustainability. IASC’s XVIth Biennial Conference is hosted by the ‘Institutions for Collective Action’ research team of Utrecht University as well as the researchers affiliated with Utrecht University’s area of expertise ‘Institutions for Open Societies’.
About Institutions for Open Societies at Utrecht University
Within Institutions for Open Societies, top research is conducted on the formal and informal rules of human action. These institutions such as laws, customs, and the associated organizations and networks, enable or constrain the realization of an open, democratic and equitable society. They also determine a society’s ability to absorb shocks and generate sustainable prosperity. By obtaining a deeper understanding of their institutional underpinnings, through a combination of expertise from several disciplines, Utrecht University is contributing to the development of open and resilient societies around the globe.
Bright minds, better future
Utrecht University is an international research university of the highest quality. This has been demonstrated for many years by its high positions in international rankings such as the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Ranking. Utrecht University nowadays is home to almost 30,000 students and over 6,000 staff (of which 550 are full professors), but also the alma mater of many leading names, academics, and scientists who have made an important contribution to the quality of society, including Nobel Prize winner Christiaan Eijkman, neuro-pharmacologist David de Wied, and Nobel Prize winner and theoretical scientist Gerard ’t Hooft. All these scientists and academics, from far in the past up to the present day, are what makes Utrecht University what it is today. Through innovative research and education, they have contributed to the University’s mission in society: ‘Bright Minds, Better Future’.
History of Utrecht University
Utrecht University has its origins in the seventh century. Anglo-Saxon monk Willibrord of Utrecht established a school for priests and noblemen in the city. The priests’ school was affiliated to the cathedral and later became known as the Dom School. In the 17th century, the City Council founded an Illustere School (‘Illustrious School’). In 1636, this officially became Utrecht University, which status gave it the right to confer academic degrees. It was officially opened on 26 March 1636, which remains the Anniversary Day or Dies Natalis to this day.
