Professors

Professors play a crucial role in the development of university education and research. Together with their team, they are responsible for building and expanding a line of research and everything around it.

The 'Hoofdlijnen Hooglerarenbeleid' (Professor policy in brief, pdf) was revised in March 2025 using the TRIPLE model.

Who are our professors?

Distinguished University Professors

Distinguished University Professors are appointed by the Executive Board for their cross-disciplinary vision and charisma.

Professors by Special Appointment

Professors by Special Appointment are appointed by an external body to a special chair with the approval of the Executive Board.

Vice rectors and Deans

Utrecht University cherishes innovative, future-proof education and research of high quality. The vice rectors of Education and Research have an important role in this. They support the rector magnificus by – amongst other activities – representing Utrecht University in national and international networks such as the LERU network and the Coimbra group.

Utrecht University also values collaboration, educational innovation, sustainability and open science. In some cases, the university chooses to give related themes extra attention via the temporary appointment of a Dean. A Dean coordinates activities around a certain theme and represents the university in various (inter)national and/or regional networks.

Catalogue Professorum

Our professors from the foundation in 1636 until today are collected in the catalogue professorum.

Professorships funded in other ways than from direct government funding

Professors together with their teams play a crucial role in (the development of) scientific education and research and in the use and application of knowledge for the benefit of society. Cooperation is essential here. By joining forces and sharing knowledge with other knowledge institutions, societal partners, governments and companies, among others, we as a university can contribute more decisively to solving urgent social issues. For example, as long as the world is still partially dependent on fossil fuels, we are glad to join forces with partners to more effectively help reduce pollution and accelerate the energy transition. 

Utrecht University attaches great importance to openness. Transparency about ancillary activities and external financial flows is certainly part of this. An overview can be found via the page Ancillary activities.

An overview of the professorships at Utrecht University (including the Faculty of Medicine) funded in other ways than from direct government funding can be found in the document Leerstoelen anders dan eerste geldstroom gefinancierd (pdf, Dutch - reference date March 1, 2025). If a professor is employed elsewhere and is (fully or partially) seconded to the university, this chair is also included in the list.

Are you (emeritus) professor?

The Utrecht Society of Professors, Emeriti and Partners (PEP) is a university-wide association in which professors, emeriti and their respective partners can meet each other, even outside their own institutes and faculties.