About us
Empowering life scientists of tomorrow
The Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) aspires to innovate and reshape the field of life sciences and society to make a positive impact on the world, with a commitment to fostering health and sustainability. Through our interdisciplinary network that connects academics across the life sciences landscape, combined with our forward-thinking expertise, we encourage innovation in our education. We embrace open science to ensure that our research and education are accessible and transparent, creating an open and supportive atmosphere for our students and staff. Our challenging programmes and dynamic academic learning environment ignite passion driven by shared commitment. By creating and nurturing an authentic environment, we inspire others to join our collective journey towards a better world.
What we do
GSLS brings together all the education in the Master’s and PhD research programmes, as well as education for professionals in life sciences at Utrecht University. Therefore, the GSLS combines research and educational expertise and facilities of three faculties.
The School has been structured along the lines of thematic, interdisciplinary programmes that correspond to the research focus of the Utrecht Strategic Theme Life Sciences, in close collaboration with the Hubrecht Institute and the Princess Máxima Center and other (inter)national institutes.
For almost 20 years, the GSLS has maintained a prominent position in interdisciplinary education in Utrecht and beyond. The GSLS hosts a vibrant academic community, catering to 1,800 active Master's students and over 2,000 PhD candidates across 16 Master's, 15 PhD programmes and a Continuing Education programme for professionals. To support and facilitate our educational goals, dedicated staff ensure a professional and effective organisational environment, including cross faculty governance, high level of quality assurance, effective policy and processes, meaningful communication and high community awareness.
The last five years, we invested in a wide range of initiatives, including but not limited to new and revised Master's programmes, a new PhD programme, new societal based profiles and several innovative courses. Support of teachers and supervisors was enhanced and our quality assurance processes upgraded. Prioritising well-being, we fostered community through exhibitions, events, and a podcast.