This website uses cookies
We, and third parties, use cookies on our website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly, to store your preferences, to gain insight into visitor behavior, but also for marketing and social media purposes (showing personalized advertisements). By clicking 'Accept', you agree to the use of all cookies. In our Cookie Statement. you can read more about the cookies we use and save or change your preferences. By clicking 'Refuse' you only agree to the use of functional cookies.
VU identity: safe, responsible and inclusive
Since its foundation, VU Amsterdam has stood for scientific and values-driven education, research and valorisation: science with a conscience.
And we still do this: as a university that stimulates emancipation, the largest in health, with a unique multidisciplinary profile, on one compact campus.
Our core values open, personal and responsible are in our DNA and guide us.
Organization and history
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam strives for a better world. We work together, across boundaries of disciplines - because the great challenges of our time require a collaborative approach.
We are a comprehensive university with education and research in humanities, science, social sciences and medicine. We focus our research and education on three domains:
• Health and well-being
• Climate and environment
• Justice and resilience
Complemented with our attitude of global citizenship: we educate students and employees to approach the world in an open, critical and engaged manner.
Beside our 7 faculties, we have 9 supporting divisions that enable our research, education and valorization.
Organization and history
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam strives for a better world. We work together, across boundaries of disciplines - because the great challenges of our time require a collaborative approach.
We are a comprehensive university with education and research in humanities, sciences, social sciences and medicine. We focus our research and education on three domains:
• Health and well-being
• Climate and environment
• Justice and resilience
Complemented with our attitude of global citizenship: we educate students and employees to approach the world in an open, critical and engaged manner.
Beside our 7 faculties, we have 9 supporting divisions that enable our research, education and valorization.
History
VU Amsterdam was founded in 1880. With a history of emancipation of almost 150 years, we are a university that has always been connected to society. In 2025, VU Amsterdam received global recognition: our archives - ranging from Abraham Kuyper to Martin Luther King - were included in the UNESCO Dutch Memory of the World Register.
Core values
Our core values responsible, open and personal are the basis of everything we do. They are in our DNA, rooted in our history.
Open: we acknowledge the value of diversity in disciplines, cultures, perspectives and worldviews.
Personal: every member of our community is valuable. You feel this in the personal attention, the engagement of colleagues and the room to be yourself.
Responsible: we are committed to people and society. We encourage each other to contribute to a better world and are accountable for our behaviour.
Social safety and behaviour
VU Amsterdam wants to add meaning to society with education, research and valorization. That requires an environment where everyone can be who they are. To us, social safety means openness, respect, equality and tolerance - and that is something we do together.
Code of Conduct
VU Amsterdam has a Code of Conduct, that describes how our core value live in practice. In a safe, respectful and inspiring working environment we can contribute to a healthy, sustainable and just world together.
Art of Engagement
Working together for a better world is easier with a working climate that inspires, develops and engages. With that in mind, we formulated Art of Engagement with the following four principles:
- Contribute to the bigger picture
- Be bold and decisive
- Be clear and transparent
- Listen and allow room for growth
Diversity and inclusion
VU Amsterdam is an open and inclusive university. Our core value 'open' means concretely: we acknowledge the value of diversity in disciplines, cultures, perspectives and backgrounds - and we use this diversity as a strength. Because we believe that diversity and internationalization contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
We actively work on inclusive excellence: an environment where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We do this for students, employees and everyone who wants to work for us.
Diversity and inclusion
VU Amsterdam is an open and inclusive university. Our core value 'open' means concretely: we acknowledge the value of diversity in disciplines, cultures, perspectives and backgrounds - and we use this diversity as a strength. Because we believe that diversity and internationalization contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
We actively work on inclusive excellence: an environment where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We do this for students, employees and everyone who wants to work for us.
Working with an occupational disability
At VU Amsterdam, we embrace the unique perspectives and talents of every individual, and this includes developing your talents when you have an occupational disability. On our dedicated webpage about the Jobs Agreement, discover how colleagues with diverse backgrounds and skills enrich our academic community, with inspiring interviews as evidence. The Participation Service Point is ready to support you, from advice to matching, with special attention to your personal circumstances.
Colourful staff
the student population at VU Amsterdam is culturally diverse, which is why we invest in cultural diversity among our staff. With the Colourful Staff Action Plan, we are working on inclusive recruitment, work and recognition.