Academiegebouw Berchmanianum
Academiegebouw Berchmanianum

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.

José Sanders

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.

Sign up Titus Day 2025

How I see Radboud University

Staff and students talk about how they experience Radboud University's identity.

Looking across borders
Portrait picture of Guillén Fernández
Guillén Fernández Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and director of the Donders Centre for Medical Neuroscience until the end of 2022 Read Guillén Fernández's story
Coming together despite differences
Portrait picture of Rizka Simons
Rizka Simons Student Law and management Read Rizka Simons' story
At the heart of society
Portrait picture of Richard Spithoff
Richard Spithoff Student Public Administration and Theology Read Richard Spithoff's story
Warm approach, hard system
Portrait picture of Harriët Reker
Harriët Reker Policy officer, consultant, coach and trainer (HR – Expert Centre Development)   Read Harriët Reker's story

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.  

KDC

Radboud 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 Reflects

Radboud 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 Academy

Titus 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 Institute

Institute 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 Christianity

Laudato Si'-Institute

With an eye for integral ecology, the Laudato Si'-Institute  connects and stimulates sustainability initiatives at Radboud University. 

Laudato Si'-Institute

University Chaplaincy

Rooted in the Christian tradition, the University Chaplaincy  supports students in their search for meaning and inspiration. 

University Chaplaincy

Ideological 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

Contact

Do you have questions? Or do you have any ideas about the identity of the Radboud University? Please contact us.