Utrecht University

About

Utrecht University, founded in 1636, is a research-intensive institution committed to its mission of contributing to a better world by connecting thinkers and doers, and giving students the freedom to develop themselves. Its core values are ambition, engagement, inspiration and independence. With over 39,000 students and more than 8,900 staff members, the university offers education through its seven faculties - ranging across humanities, social sciences, law, economics and governance, science, medicine and veterinary medicine - and numerous bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Major research strengths lie in four strategic themes: Life Sciences, Pathways to Sustainability, Dynamics of Youth and Institutions for Open Societies. Its Utrecht Science Park campus features modern facilities, while global partnerships with networks such as LERU, the Utrecht Network and the EU’s Open Science initiatives underpin its international profile.

Sustainability at Utrecht University

In an explicit effort to help create a better world and a sustainable society and to contribute specifically to the SDGs, the university wants to connect knowledge on sustainability (gained through education and research) to its operational management. At the same time, use is being made of its own operations and buildings and grounds by providing an environment for academic research. During the previous period, the university took the first steps toward ensuring the SDGs are recognizably reflected in its educational curriculum, and it is now continuing those efforts, basing the thinking more strongly on global development issues. The university continues to build on existing strategies and ongoing initiatives and wishes, to make a real difference in coming years in connection with the theme of sustainability. Through its operational management, the university is able to contribute to over half of the SDGs, from the ‘Climate Action’ theme to the ‘Gender Equality’ theme. In keeping with the SDGS, Utrecht University is working to achieve climate-neutral, zero-waste operations by 2030 and to increase the local biodiversity.

More Information

Find more details on sustainability at Utrecht University here.