Research Profile

We are working towards a better world. We do this by researching complex issues beyond the borders of disciplines.

Four strategic research themes

• 

  Dynamics of Youth

  How can we help our children to develop into well-balanced individuals in a rapidly changing society?

• 

  Institutions for Open Societies

  How do institutions – the formal and informal rules of human action – contribute to long-term prosperity, equality and democracy?

• 

  Life Sciences

  How can we drive innovations in human, veterinary and plant health and resilience with careful consideration of our environment?

• 

  Pathways to sustainability

  How can we enable the transition towards a more sustainable society? 

Focus areas

The Utrecht focus areas link fundamental research to a social mission. They are testing grounds in which we focus on a theme, take new paths and enter into new partnerships.

Sustainable Development Goals

When it comes to solving the problems of the world, we aim high. We want to give direction to necessary transformations. The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) are a major guiding principle for us.

Top research on a wide range of areas

Global issues are complex: they are not limited to generations or continents and cannot be solved from one single perspective.

Quality and integrity

Utrecht University stands for professional and high-quality academic work and ethically responsible research and teaching.