Leiden University

Leiden University (known in Dutch as Universiteit Leiden) is a 450+ year old research University with two campuses in The Netherlands: in the cities of Leiden and The Hague. It is home to more than 33,500 students and more than 6,400 academic and non-teaching staff members.

All research and academic activities at Leiden University are organized into five broad domains: humans in the world,  resilient & learning society, technology & society, peace, justice, democracy & governance, and health & life sciences. Together, they work together to ensure that the University abides by its motto, which translates to Bastion of Freedom.

16 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to students, professors, and researchers associated with Leiden University. It offers 48 undergraduate and 83 postgraduate programs, with 37% of higher academic roles held by women, and more than 109,000 registered alumni worldwide.

Leiden University strives to make the world a better place, and this is measured through multiple metrics. BiGGAR Economics found, in 2015, that the University delivers a 4x return on investment for all funds poured into research, and it has pumped this money back into the local economy. The city of Leiden currently has the best business environment for both startups and established companies in the Netherlands, and initiatives like the Leiden Bio Science Park allow researchers of all ages to take part in cutting edge work that could transform the way we all live.

International Collaboration is another key area in which Leiden University is exceptional. Whether it uses the location of one of its campuses in The Hague to advocate for peace and security across the world, or creates important policy documents for healthcare across the world through its network of psychologists and doctors, its influence reaches far beyond The Netherlands and benefits people of all nations.

In addition to the 16 Nobel Prizes awarded to students, researchers, and faculty members associated with Leiden University, other alumni have achieved success in various fields. The University has several programs designed to help the 109,000+ alumni benefit from their large international network, including a mentorship program whereby experienced and senior ex-students of Leiden University in various fields provide advice and support to younger alumni. 

This leads to University bonds extending well beyond the 2-4 years that each degree takes, and initiatives like Leidraad (the digital alumni newsletter that is published three times a year) allow for greater connection and real time information tracking.

The research facilities at Leiden University support cutting edge work in all 7 Faculties. For example, the Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty has 12 categories of practical environments, from VR labs to EEG labs for children, supporting groundbreaking work in both STEM and non-technical fields. 

Student life on both campuses of Leiden University is vibrant, with Leiden being a typical student city, and The Hague (with 25% of the students) being a global center of diplomacy.

The international students who study in both campus locations bring their own flavor to the local culture, with global cuisines and customized events.

Students of Leiden University run their own societies in the fields of culture, social service, and sports. These are supported by the University, and often feature performers and collaborators from outside LU.

Leiden University allows its students to gain experience with starting, running, scaling and monetizing their own businesses through the Una Europa program, where they can collaborate with local communities in neighboring countries to incubate their ideas, with the University providing mentorship and funding opportunities. This happens through the Local Task Force (LTF) which provides event planning and local communication support so that even inexperienced students can hone their skills.

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) contains routine and emergency medical services, both short term and long term. It is highly specialized, and contains 5 centers within it that are interdisciplinary, providing the best possible care in multiple fields such as congenital heart disease, maternity care, and gastrointestinal liver health. It also deals with cutting edge health operations, including the use of artificial intelligence for digital transformation of all data related operations within healthcare. It also researches regenerative medicine, specifically the repair of damaged tissues and organs. The skilled and knowledgeable medical professionals at the Center have the knowledge and experience to deal with emerging issues such as infectious diseases that spread in real time.

The University also provides a set of services that help improve the average mental health of the students and staff. From promoting healthy daily habits such as meditation to providing consultations and support for general unease related to worry, anxiety, or stress, Leiden University provides a wide range of solutions. It also provides help with modern day problems such as social media addictions, and seeks to promote healthy behaviors by providing alternatives and support groups where peers can learn from and assist each other with commonly encountered issues.

There are also hotlines where students can reach out for emergencies related to mental health, as well as report such situations on others’ behalf.

The LGBT+ Network at Leiden University is the primary organization that provides support and an inclusive platform to all students who might not fit within traditional sexual orientation or gender expression norms. It works with authorities to enshrine these in education (with a Summer School program and a Minor course on Gender and Sexuality in Society and Culture), while also organizing queer related academic conferences and guest lectures.

As a part of Leiden University's commitment to collaboration and outreach, the LGBT+ network works closely with Pride organizations in the city of Leiden, and conducts multiple public performances every year for the population of the city at large. These measures make sure that no student feels excluded from any activity related to University life.

Leiden University has a Green Office (LUGO) that is responsible for increasing awareness among all members of the University community of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This entails periodic audits, events that aim to educate students, researchers, and educators associated with the University about sustainability standards and initiatives, and regular outreach events to help SDG awareness reach beyond the borders of the University.

The regular SDG reports that follow each audit show that all researchers across the seven Faculties of Leiden University work closely to minimize waste, eliminate poverty through the social impact of their work, and reduce the carbon impact of all their processes. This is a key component of the forward thinking principles that the University espouses.

Even though Leiden is a relatively small city, with less than 150,000 residents, its high student population means that it is a classic University town, with all the benefits of a young median age. It is also historic, with canals and landmarks that attract tourists all year round. Its location within The Netherlands means that most other major cities in the country are just a train ride away, and art galleries and social events (e.g. the two day independence celebration Leidens Ontzet) allow students to immerse themselves in the local culture.

For over 400 years, Leiden University had only one campus. 25 years ago, it opened a second location in The Hague, one of the world’s most international cities. The city is a hub of diplomacy and peace studies; the International Court of Justice is located here, and the population of 500,000+ people ensures that social life is always vibrant. It has a short coastline as well, and beaches are easily accessible from the campus.