Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Since its foundation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has stood for scientific and value-driven education, research and knowledge transfer. We are free thinkers with expertise and A Broader Mind. And we work together to build a better world for people and the planet.

University with a focus on society

The world is facing major challenges, while there are growing divisions within society. This calls for science with a conscience. With our expertise, open mindedness, enterprising spirit and multidisciplinary approach, we work on developing sustainable solutions that impact society. We focus on four profile themes: Connected World, Governance for Society, Human Health and Life Sciences, and Science for Sustainability.

Unique and multidisciplinary university

VU Amsterdam is a unique university with faculties in the humanities, STEM, social sciences and medical sciences. Our education and research are closely linked. We combine our top position in research with a strong social orientation, which has resulted in an excellent international reputation. Our education and research are distinctly multidisciplinary. This is reinforced by the fact that our faculties are all located on one campus. We are a true campus university in the heart of the Zuidas Knowledge District, sharing its excellent national and international position and accessibility.

MISSION, CORE VALUES & AMBITIONS

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: societal impact

At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we attach great importance to the societal impact of our education and research. Personal development and social involvement are key parts of our vision on education, in which individual differences are seen as a strength. This allows us to develop innovations and insights that contribute to a better world.

VU Amsterdam Strategy 2020-2025

VU Amsterdam has a strategic plan: Strategy 2020-2025. This strategy is the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire VU Amsterdam community. Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the ambitions, objectives and policy measures for the next five years and describes the four profile themes VU Amsterdam focuses on.

Freedom in responsibility: three core values

Academic research and education at VU Amsterdam is characterized by a high level of ambition, and encourages free and open communications and ideas. VU Amsterdam stands for universal university values such as academic freedom and independence.The basic philosophy of VU Amsterdam is expressed in three core values: