Research at Utrecht University

Utrecht University is the number 1 university in the Netherlands according to the Shanghai ranking

Utrecht University is an internationally prominent, research-led university that carries out fundamental and applied research across a wide range of academic fields, from infectious diseases to human rights and from climate research to cultural history.

Research profile

The strength of the research carried out at Utrecht University lies in the way different disciplines are combined and the integrated approach to academic and social issues. With its chosen research themes of Sustainability, Life Sciences, Institutions and Dynamics of Youth, the university contributes to solving issues such as climate change, infectious diseases, the aging population, social cohesion and security.

Quality and integrity

Everyone involved in academic teaching and research at Utrecht University bears a personal responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. The university is committed to academic integrity and endeavours to make ethically responsible choices in its research, which includes a sound policy on animal testing.

Student neemt deel in visueel experiment

Space for talent

Top-quality research requires outstanding researchers, which is why Utrecht University supports its academic staff in their ambitions. An academic leadership course is provided for new full and associate professors. Talented researchers at Utrecht University are given plenty of space to develop new research lines.

Support in research

Utrecht University provides all kinds of support to its researchers, such as support in the fields of funding, open science, research data management, IT, events and writing courses.

Every faculty has a Research Support Office. In these offices, researchers receive support in:

  • Project and grant applications
  • Contract negotiations
  • Legal and financial affairs
  • Project management
  • Formation of consortiums
  • Valorisation of research.