Research at Utrecht University
Utrecht University is an internationally renowned top research university. Its quality is evidenced by the good results of research assessments and our outstanding performance in international rankings. In the 2009 Shanghai Academic Ranking of the world’s leading universities, Utrecht University rated as 11th best university in Europe.
Furthermore, Utrecht University researchers excel in winning individual research grants from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), such as the Spinoza Prize. The University is member of prestigious international networks such as the League of European Research Universities and the Worldwide Universities Network.
Collaboration inside and outside the University
Utrecht University conducts fundamental and applied research covering a wide variety of scientific disciplines, ranging from infectious diseases and human rights to climate research and cultural history. This diversity has inspired multi-disciplinary research collaborations with partners both from inside and outside the University. Regionally, as well as nationally and internationally, Utrecht University works together with universities, knowledge institutions and industry. These partnerships foster innovative research and contribute to economic development and the solution of social issues.
Research focus
To further stimulate its excellence in research, Utrecht University centres on 15 thematic clusters of research. These research focus areas consist of multidisciplinary clusters bringing together top-class research groups in each thematic field. Through these research themes Utrecht University wishes to foster solutions to social issues such as climate change, infectious diseases, the ageing population, and public health.
Nurturing Talent
Top research demands excellent researchers. That is why talented scientists at Utrecht University are given every opportunity to develop new research lines. To attract and stimulate new talent various projects have been set up. Good examples are grants for inter-disciplinary research programmes conducted by Utrecht’s ‘High Potential’ scientists and coaching programmes to assist in the application for external research funding.