VU Amsterdam ranks among the country’s top universities when it comes to academic research. At VU 
Amsterdam, education and research are closely intertwined. High-quality teaching and cutting-edge research have given the university a great deal of recognition, enabling VU Amsterdam to attract prominent scientists from both the Netherlands and abroad. Our researchers value the research groups they are part of, and the freedom they have in carrying out flexible, curiosity-driven research.

Societal engagement is embedded in VU Amsterdam’s DNA. This is reflected in the way researchers at VU Amsterdam work and approach their research. Our education and research are structured into four overarching societal themes: the Connected World, Governance for Society, Human Health and Life Science, and Science for Sustainability. This is how we encourage multidisciplinary cooperation which is needed to overcome the societal issues of today and the future.

Amsterdam is an old European capital city that has a long and interesting history. Today it prides itself on a rich cultural life and a diverse population. VU Amsterdam campus and our leading university are located in the southern part of the city, known as the Amsterdam Zuidas area. This is a dynamic rapidly developing international business district in the city of Amsterdam. Amsterdam Zuidas is the beating heart of international business life in the Netherlands, where the university’s campus creates a bridge between business and society. VU Amsterdam is a five-minute walk away from Zuid metro- & railway station 'Amsterdam Zuid', and is also easily accessible by buses and trams. Schiphol Airport, which connects our university to the rest of the world, is only a 5 minutes train ride away. According to the latest OECD Better Life Index, the Netherlands ranks first when it comes to work - life balance, an element our researchers greatly appreciate.

Society is made up of a wide variety of gender and sexual orientation, nationalities, cultures, ways of thinking and religions. The Campus of VU Amsterdam reflects this diversity of society. We train and educate our students and employees to embrace and benefit from these differences. Consequently, when they enter the labour market as graduates they will be able to view matters from a broader perspective and will make a difference in society as future leaders. We strive for 'inclusive excellence': an academic environment in which students, lecturers and employees use mutual differences to stimulate more creativity and talent development.

VU Amsterdam understands the importance of respecting the communities that surround us. Colleagues and students who choose to join us are choosing for respectful cooperation, support and openness to one another's ideas. Not only as colleagues but also as individuals who take a genuine interest in one another.

Internationalization at VU Amsterdam is the result of increasing globalization, disappearing borders and the expansion of the international playing field to further develop our activities. VU Amsterdam’s community continues to grow and expand, creating a warm and welcoming environment with an international atmosphere where students and employees from different backgrounds and nationalities can come together and meet. By actively encouraging the societal engagement of students and employees, the university promotes multidisciplinary and cross-border academic cooperation, and international exchange. We maintain international education and research partnerships all around the world. VU Amsterdam collaborates with other research universities as part of the Aurora network. We all share the same aim of creating inclusive and diverse academic communities, grounded in excellent research. For international employees, we have an global meet where they can meet up or participate in one of the events of the international staff network.