News and stories
The Alumni Office regularly features the university, its alumni, students, and staff in interviews, articles, and background stories. You can read them here.
Alum Hans Versnel obtains his doctorate at age 87
In early November, Hans Versnel defended his PhD thesis on the improvement of kampongs and urban governance in Indonesia.
Len in the city: Will you text me when you get home?
At a quiet table in Grand Café Living, Len talks to Yeline Hoogmans (22), who is graduating in Social Challenges and works at the University Library.
Worry, shame, grief, hope
Climate change evokes strong feelings. Biologist Michiel van Harskamp investigates how young people deal with their emotions and uncertainties about this issue.
From hormonal to normal
Dr. Lotte Gerritsen wants to get rid of the stereotype of the hormonal woman. She explains why we know so little about women's bodies based on four causes.
Academic research into espionage and spies
What influence does espionage have on politics, morality, and science? UU historian Eleni Braat investigates the dilemmas behind secret work.
Climate change threatens Dutch tulips
The Netherlands is warming and tulips don’t like it. Can researchers protect our national icon from mild winters and unpredictable springs?
Fight to keep our backs straight
Hiske Arts, UU alum of the year 2024, on the importance of Europe and universities standing firm in the fight for climate justice.
Prof. Dr Anton Pijpers bids farewell to Utrecht University
On the eve of Anton Pijpers' departure, we look back with him on previous statements he made in Illuster.
A voice for unborn generations
The Netherlands is one of the strongest democracies in the world, yet the vast majority of the Dutch population is not represented.
Internet: A minefield for youngsters?
Parents and experts fear online risks for young people, from misogynistic influencers to recruiting criminals. How serious are these dangers really?
Investigating the Hidden World of Pesticides
Dirk de Bekker spent years investigating the global pesticide system to uncover how science, agriculture, and powerful interests intersect.
Column: Thx anyway
Pia de Jong on communication between mothers and students in 2026. And how that differs from the communication she had with her own mother when she was a student.
Ecologist Edwin Pos measures in Costa Rica how the rainforest grows back after destruction
The Brazilian rainforest made a deep impression on him during his studies. Now Edwin is researching in Costa Rica whether the consequences of deforestation can be reversed.