Mission and vision of the GSLS

Our Master’s, PhD, and Continuing Education programmes are tailored to the needs of science and society, based on the Utrecht Life Sciences research themes. The primary objective of the GSLS is to train future scientists who will be capable of drawing on their acquired knowledge, understanding, and skills to conduct top-class research and contribute to societal challenges in an international context. With this purpose in mind, the GSLS will continue to align the content of its educational programmes and training with developments in the research field, especially within Utrecht Life Sciences.

Master's domain

We will enrich our portfolio with courses and research projects at the interface of science and society, and collaborate with partners in the context of the EWUU alliance and CHARM-EU. We will work on an optimised curriculum structure that fits the needs of our students and the future job market.

PhD domain

We will establish an accessible, feasible, and high-quality course and event portfolio, ensuring that each PhD candidate is embedded in a suitable PhD programme.

Continuing Education domain

In our newest domain, we will offer a distinguished and attractive training portfolio for professionals in the Utrecht Life Sciences research field.

Research skills are at the heart of our education, together with personal and professional competences, they form a strong basis for any successful contribution to science and society. The GSLS emphasises the importance of competence development in our education, with the input of our advisory board and enlightening career orientation for upcoming graduates.

Master's domain

We aim to foster greater awareness of careers other than a PhD, through the promotion of profiles and career events among students and staff. The offering of competence courses in the electives will be extended, and the honours track will be redesigned to become more diverse, inclusive, and available to more students.

PhD domain

We will offer a comprehensive set of events, workshops, and alumni talks to give young life scientists insight into career options. We will also provide a self-assessment tool to monitor relevant competences. A third goal is to develop a strategy to involve alumni more in the PhD journey for a broader career perspective.

Continuing Education domain

We will offer competence training in line with the expectations and needs of professionals as a specific target group.

We attach great value to the interdisciplinary and open attitude in our life sciences landscape, where we study and work across the borders of the three faculties of Utrecht University (UU) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU). This way we make the most of diverse qualities and a broad spectrum of expertise, through which inspiration and innovation can thrive.

In our community, we consider the wellbeing and safety of our students, PhD candidates, and staff a top priority. We will continue to facilitate collaboration, commit to clear lines of communication, and further foster a sense of community. To ensure a safe environment, we will stress the values of equality, inclusion, openness, and mutual respect to our students, PhD candidates, other learners, and staff.

Master's domain

We will integrate innovations and educational research outcomes into the curriculum, such as VR possibilities, AI tools, and the importance of student agency. Well-being and safety will be addressed in several open and collaborative meetings with ample space for student input. The safe feedback culture will be strengthened with the aid of the extended Supervision, Expectations & Evaluation, Dialogue (SEED) tool, peer support pilots, and reflection tools for feedback literacy for students and staff.

PhD domain

We will have a comprehensive onboarding programme for PhD candidates in place. In addition, each PhD candidate will have one or two mentors. The rights and obligations of PhD candidates will be well described in the collective labour agreements of all faculties and adhered to. Furthermore, all PhD candidates and PhD supervisors will be aware of the opportunities for support, training, and institutional programmes through a structural part of the offer of the PhD Course Centre.

Continuing Education domain

We will offer participants an innovative academic experience and will create a welcoming atmosphere that includes this specific target group.

Expert guidance is essential for learners in our graduate school to be able to learn, grow, discover their talents, and develop their competences. Teachers and supervisors do not merely provide training but often also serve as role models. To fully equip our teachers and supervisors for their tasks, the GSLS will continue to inform and guide them in navigating the interfaculty life sciences landscape. One overarching focus area for the coming years is to offer proper support for improving AI literacy by providing up-to-date guidelines and tutorials.

Master's domain

We will further improve the content and effectiveness of the flow of information to teachers and supervisors about quality assurance, especially related to research projects and external internships.

PhD domain

We will implement a comprehensive programme for instructing new PhD supervisors, including information, meetings, and training.

Continuing Education domain

We aim to have well-informed and supported teachers to ensure high-standard education.