Identity
Radboud University is a special university born out of the Catholic emancipation movement of the early twentieth century. In line with this tradition, staff and students feel committed to each other, to society and to the world. We focus on caring for each other and the world around us and remain committed to the emancipation of social and cultural minorities. We want to make a significant impact. We are guided by scientific questions as well as social challenges.
Emancipation as a lasting ambition
"Radboud University is a broad institution with thousands of committed students and staff, brought together on a green campus where sustainability plays an important role. What makes our Radboud identity special is our basis for emancipation. The university was founded in 1923 to give more opportunities to Catholics, who until then had been disadvantaged in Dutch society.
For Radboud University, emancipation is a lasting ambition. An exemplary figure is the rector magnificus Titus Brandsma (1881-1942), who was canonized in 2022. This priest-professor was killed in the Second World War after he had stood up for freedom of the press and for people in oppression. He shows us that emancipation is a goal that you pursue not only for yourself, but also for others. Every 15 May, on Titus Day, the central question in his mind is: 'What do you do for someone else?' In this way, students and university staff are encouraged to make a difference, for each other and for society.
Do you have ideas about how we can give new shape to emancipation, in research, education and social services? Let us know, because the emancipation of many is an important goal of our university, now and in the future."
Prof. dr. José Sanders, 60e rector magnificus Radboud Universiteit.
How I see Radboud University
Staff and students talk about how they experience Radboud University's identity.
Special institutes, centres and associations
Radboud University's special identity gives students, staff and alumni the opportunity to develop in special ways. This happens in the various institutes, centres and associations that make up the wider Radboud community.
Catholic Documentation Centre (KDC)
The Catholic Documentation Centre (KDC) conducts research on Catholic heritage and the history of Catholicism, thereby helping to preserve the Catholic roots of Radboud University.
KDCRadboud Reflects
Radboud Reflects organises public lectures on social and scientific themes, with a focus on religion, ethics, philosophy and theology – in keeping with the university’s Catholic intellectual tradition.
Radboud ReflectsRadboud Honours Academy
The Radboud Honours Academy offers motivated students the opportunity to delve deeper into scientific issues of social importance. Since 1923 the RHA has contributed to the university's special ambition: to offer academic programmes that help young adults make a meaningful contribution to Dutch society.
Radboud Honours AcademyTitus Brandsma Institute
In the spirit of its namesake, canonised former Rector Magnificus Titus Brandsma, the Titus Brandsma Institute researches how Christian mysticism and spirituality can be of value in contemporary society and culture.
Titus Brandsma InstituteInstitute for Eastern Christianity
The Institute for Eastern Christianity focuses on deepening and disseminating knowledge about Eastern Christianity, both within and outside the university.
Institute for Eastern ChristianityLaudato Si'-Institute
With an eye for integral ecology, the Laudato Si'-Institute connects and stimulates sustainability initiatives at Radboud University.
Laudato Si'-InstituteUniversity Chaplaincy
Rooted in the Christian tradition, the University Chaplaincy supports students in their search for meaning and inspiration.
University ChaplaincyIdeological students associations
Ideological students associations include: C.S.F.R. Quo Vadis, Ichtus Nijmegen, Katholieke Studenten Nijmegen (Catholic Students in Nijmegen), Moslimstudentenvereniging Nijmegen (Muslim Student Association Nijmegen), Nijmeegse Studentenvereniging de Navigators (Nijmegen Student Association The Navigators) and Vereniging Gereformeerde Studenten Nijmegen Thesaurum Quaeritans (Thesaurum Quaeritans Association for Reformed Students in Nijmegen).
Overview of Ideological students associationsContact
Do you have questions? Or do you have any ideas about the identity of the Radboud University? Please contact us.