Research
A Research-intensive University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is a research-intensive university. Fundamental research is the main objective and the education provided is largely research-based.
Fundamental research is typically curiosity driven and its courses and findings are usually unpredictable. Leiden University believes that fundamental research is crucial to the development of modern society and the future prosperity of mankind. At Leiden we aim to create an inspiring atmosphere for researchers and students.
11 Research Profile Areas
In our globalising world, universities have to face growing, intense competition, both in research and teaching. To maintain and further strengthen our excellence in research, choices have to be made.
For this reason, Leiden University has selected 11 research profile areas, most of them with a strong multidisciplinary focus.
Collaboration across boundaries
Top research increasingly means joining forces across the boundaries of departmental disciplines, faculties and the university itself. Collaboration between the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the faculty of Medicine, for example, has resulted in a joint bio-science initiative, which promotes interaction and synergy between life science and sciences such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Other partners in this multi-centre initiative are the Technical University of Delft, and the (semi-government) Applied Research Organisation (TNO).
Leiden has a firmly established position among the top research institutes of Europe in many fields, including the natural sciences, medicine, social and behavioural sciences and arts. Leiden University is also a member of the League of European Research Universities