Vision

A sustainable, prosperous and just world

As a leading European research university, Leiden plays a prominent role in academia. High-quality academic research and teaching are crucial to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world. The University is committed to developing, disseminating and applying academic knowledge, and aspires to be a trusted figure in the public and political debate, both national and international.

HOW WE STAND OUT: •We are an international researchdriven university, with a wide range of academic disciplines and degree programmes. •We have opted for a disciplinary structure, but our research and teaching are both disciplinary and interdisciplinary. •Our teaching is inspired and fuelled by scientific research. •Our research is pioneering and innovative, and has an impact on society. •We aim to work with local, regional, national and international partners. These include Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam within the LeidenDelft-Erasmus alliance, and our partners in the League of European Research Universities.

WHAT WE STAND FOR: •From its inception, Leiden University has stood for freedom of spirit, thought and speech, and for the independent development of research and teaching. It is a place of refuge where any question can be asked and answered in complete freedom. •We educate students and PhD candidates for academic roles in academia and beyond. Our graduates are able to make a critical assessment of academic and societal issues and to make well-considered choices when seeking to resolve these. •Our academics are guided by the highest ambitions of quality and academic integrity, and we aim to promote the same academic conduct in our students.

WHAT WE STRIVE FOR: •We aim for excellence in all our research and teaching. •We focus on achieving the maximum impact from our research and teaching – academic, cultural, societal and economic. •We work hard to create a lively academic community of staff and students, inspired by the experience, expertise and engagement of our alumni. •We embrace inclusiveness and diversity: our doors are open to anyone who wants to study or work here and realise their potential.

Bastion of freedom Leiden University believes in the importance of freedom of spirit, thought and speech. It is no surprise, therefore, that our motto is Praesidium Libertatis – bastion of freedom. This motto is part of our seal, which also features Minerva, goddess of wisdom.