Who we are as a university
Radboud University: responsible, innovative and connecting.
Radboud University was founded over a century ago and is an independent university of national and international significance. Building on a tradition of curiosity, initiative, courage and entrepreneurship, we have developed into an authoritative knowledge institute with seven faculties, which together cover a broad and interdisciplinary range of scientific fields.
In our complex society, the university plays a critical, reflective role as an independent knowledge and educational institution. Radboud University does this by actively participating in scientific and social debates, both when asked and on its own initiative. The university operates independently, based on our own knowledge, expertise and values, and does not shy away from controversy.
Our mission
We contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. We ensure that people, regardless of their circumstances, can fully develop their talents and use them for the greater good.
Our vision
We want to have a meaningful impact on individuals and society as a whole. As a scientific community, we see it as our responsibility to contribute to knowledge, insight and progress. In doing so, we are guided by scientific curiosity and social challenges. Our staff and students feel connected to each other, to society and to the world. We value caring for one another and commitment to social and cultural emancipation. This attitude is in line with our origins in the Catholic emancipation movement of the early twentieth century.
We believe that the major challenges of our time – such as climate change, digitisation and social inequality – require an integrated approach, in which we are mindful of the connection between people and nature, theory and practice, local and global. The combination of exact, social and human sciences enables us to understand complex issues in context, ask new questions and develop solutions across the full spectrum of our education and research. Based on this integrated philosophy, we encourage connections between people and ideas: between our powerful disciplines, with other knowledge institutions in the Netherlands and abroad, with governments and social partners, and with residents in our region. This results in excellent and independent science with impact and meaning in society.
We attract curious students who want to delve deeper into their field of study and dare to look beyond it. We encourage them to explore a broad range of subjects, because new perspectives invite critical thinking and collaboration with people who approach issues differently. This enriches their academic education and prepares them for a world in which complex problems can rarely be solved with a single way of thinking.
More information about our identity
Our core values
Responsible – we act out of our commitment to people and the world
We are convinced that you do not live only for yourself, but also bear responsibility for others and for the world. As a scientific community, we want to contribute to a better society with new knowledge, solutions and the development of people. Guided by this ethical compass, we encourage research with a sustainable impact and educate students to become committed, inquisitive individuals who continue to seek solutions with confidence. It is not only what we do that matters, but also how we do it, because our attitude and choices set an example for others.
Innovative – we look further and push boundaries with knowledge
We are future-oriented and ambitious. We challenge existing frameworks and seek groundbreaking scientific solutions to today's and tomorrow's challenges. With imagination and scientific depth, we develop new insights and applications that help society move forward. We encourage a culture of experimentation and learning, in which students and scientists are given the space to innovate, be entrepreneurial and translate knowledge into tangible social progress.
Connecting - we build bridges and work together
We see our university as an ecosystem of relationships, connected to other networks in science, education, business, our region and the world. We connect people and ideas and are accessible to everyone. In line with our emancipatory roots, we see knowledge development as something that should benefit everyone. We oppose polarisation and value broad perspectives, because sustainable solutions can only be found when we take all interests into account. That is why we bring together an international community of people from different backgrounds, beliefs and disciplines to learn from each other. By giving and granting each other responsibility, we foster the mutual trust that is necessary to work together on solutions to the challenges of our time.
How we make a difference
Our vision, mission and core values are reflected in what we do and form the basis for our actions: how we make a difference.
High-quality, interdisciplinary education and research
We offer education that prepares students for a rapidly changing society and is rooted in the broad range of our disciplines. Our research is internationally recognised and structured around focus areas in which interdisciplinary collaboration is the standard.
Connected to society and the region
We are at the heart of a powerful regional and international network of knowledge institutions, businesses, authorities and social organisations. Through these connections, we contribute to innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable development.
Academic community and development
Within our university, the personal and professional development of students and staff is central. In an international and inclusive environment, we encourage critical and ethical thinking and promote dialogue as the core of academic education.
Connecting campus and environment
Our compact, green campus in the heart of Nijmegen invites interaction and collaboration across disciplines and organisations. In this way, the campus forms an inspiring basis for education, research and social impact.
This makes our university appealing to talented individuals who wish to collaborate on developing new knowledge and better solutions for a connected and sustainable world.