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.
Identity Dialogue
Radboud University will be celebrating its centenary in 2023 and in the run-up to it, it has been conducting a dialogue about its identity in order to portray the university's multicoloured story. On this page, you can read stories from staff and students who took part. The stories are partly taken from the special theme issue "identity" of Radboud Magazine.
Emancipation university
Radboud University was established nearly 100 years ago to dispel the disadvantages faced by Catholics through university education. In this, we succeeded. Today, however, there are many other groups that experience a disadvantage. For them, too, the university remains a way to achieve a good position in society.
For example, Radboud University attracts a relatively large percentage of first-generation students: students whose parents did not complete a university degree. For these students, it is often not logical at all to enrol at a university. I know this from experience, being a first-generation student myself.
However, these students have traditionally been associated with Radboud University. You see a lot of them here, which may go some way towards explaining the exceptional character of Nijmegen student organisations, with their positive atmosphere of equality, and their will to contribute to society. I think that this is part of our identity. You have a part to play. It is something we can be proud of.
And every year, we find new ways of expressing it. On 15 May, the day of the canonisation of my predecessor Titus Brandsma, we will ask all our students and staff members, in his spirit: What will you do today to make someone happy?
“Let us not egocentrically lock ourselves up in our own world and stare ourselves blind at our individual interests, but instead realise that we have a calling, one that brings great joy to our existence, and that is to make others happy.” (Titus Brandsma)
How I see Radboud
Staff and students talk about how they experience Radboud University's identity. How do they see Radboud?
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.
To the 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.
To 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.
To 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.
To the 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.
To the Institute for Eastern ChristianityLaudato Si' Institute (i.o.)
With an eye for integral ecology, the Laudato Si' Institute (i.o.) connects and stimulates sustainability initiatives at Radboud University.
About the Laudato Si' Institute (i.o.)University Chaplaincy
Rooted in the Christian tradition, the University Chaplaincy supports students in their search for meaning and inspiration.
To the 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 associations