About us

The Freudenthal Institute (FI) is a multidisciplinary academic research institute within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University, dedicated to supporting scientific literacy for life. With approximately 100 staff members including teachers, researchers and support personnel, the institute operates at the crucial intersection of science and society.

The FI's mission is twofold: to contribute to high-quality education in mathematics and natural sciences through education, research and professionalisation, and to address broader societal issues by fostering scientific literacy among students, professionals and the general public. This scientific literacy is increasingly crucial for citizens to effectively engage with scientific issues and navigate our highly technological world.

The institute's structure reflects its comprehensive approach, comprising several key components:

  • Five research groups
  • Impact projects, such as:
    • U-Talent programme for in-depth knowledge and enrichment of education
    • Teaching & Learning Lab, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching innovations
  • Education at bachelor's and master's levels

The FI's versatility generates both scientific and practical knowledge, rooted in natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, pharmaceutical science and mathematics) as well as social sciences and humanities (educational science, communication science, history and philosophy). This interdisciplinary approach enables the institute to address complex educational and societal challenges effectively.

Our impact extends from local to international levels. We connect with schools across the region, organise major national conferences and participate in numerous European research projects. The FI makes significant contributions to Utrecht University's strategic themes, including Dynamics of Youth, Pathways to Sustainability and Institutions for Open Societies.

As an institute focused on scientific literacy, we serve as a vital reference point for educators, scientists, policy makers and the public. Our work addresses contemporary challenges in science education and communication, making scientific knowledge accessible and meaningful for today's highly technological world.

Ambitions

  • The FI plays an (inter)national pioneering role in the development and implementation of high-quality and innovative education in mathematics and the natural sciences.
  • The FI actively contributes to increasing the intake in teacher training.
  • The FI plays a pioneering role in the field of blended learning in secondary and higher education.
  • The FI promotes academic skills (History and Philosophy of Science) and normative professionalism in university science courses.
  • The FI strives for integration of education, research and professionalization within the physical and virtual environment of a Science Teaching & Learning Lab.
  • The FI strives for a structural, regional partnership with schools, targeting science talent development within U-Talent.

An overview of the FI's ambitions can also be found in our Strategic plan 2022-2027 (pdf).