VISION
Innovating and
connecting As a leading European research university, located in the cities of Leiden and The Hague, Leiden University plays a prominent role in society. 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 nationally and internationally.
C
uriosity drives our researchers to seek new knowledge – even if this does not immediately lead to demonstrable applications. We trust that sooner or later this fundamental knowledge will help make the world a better place, as Covid-19 vaccines are doing now – these are based on knowledge from fundamental research. We treasure this research. Our researchers also seek solutions to specific societal problems, which is something our teaching also contributes to. We want to be an open and engaged university community where free speech is cherished and everyone feels they are seen and heard. In our new strategic plan, Innovating and Connecting (2022-2027), we have chosen to intensify connections and thus strengthen our disciplines and 6
LEIDEN UNIVERSITY CORPORATE MAGAZINE 2022
partnerships. This will allow us to create new opportunities for research and teaching and thus increase our impact on society, while continuing to lead with our research and research-driven teaching.
WHAT DEFINES US
Pioneering research and teaching Within our university we have a wide range of academic disciplines: the Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH), the exact sciences and the medical sciences. We are world leading in many research areas, and our teaching is of a high quality, also because of its strong links with our research. Academic freedom Our motto Praesidium Libertatis – bastion of freedom – refers to Leiden’s centuries-old desire to be a place of freedom of speech and thought. We see ourselves as a guardian of academic freedom, and guarantee an
open and inclusive community where everyone is able to voice their opinion. International orientation Leiden is traditionally one of the most international universities in terms of orientation, subject matter and networks, attracting many scholars and students from within and outside the Netherlands. Open and engaged community Our university has an environment
