22.08.2024UZH Welcomes Dutch Ambassador

Her Excellency Karin Mössenlechner, the Dutch Ambassador, recently met with UZH President Michael Schaepman and a group of UZH researchers for a bilateral exchange. This inaugural visit marks a significant milestone in further strengthening the collaboration between UZH and Dutch institutions, underscoring the continued importance of international partnerships in research and education.

During the discussions, UZH representatives and the Dutch diplomatic delegation addressed the impact of geopolitical developments on universities. In an increasingly polarized world, university campuses often mirror these broader political shifts, prompting key questions: What role should universities play in such politically charged discussions?  How can universities ensure their research and teaching continue to address global challenges with an objective and inclusive perspective?

UZH and Dutch institutions share a commitment to many of the same core values. Earlier this year, Ambassador Mössenlechner attended the "Una.Lecture: The State of Play of University Autonomy" at UZH, a public event organized in collaboration with Una Europa, an alliance of leading European universities that includes UZH. The lecture featured a podium discussion with Hester Bijl, Rector Magnificus of Leiden University, alongside other university presidents, exploring the vital role of university autonomy.

Collaborations between UZH and Dutch institutions are characterized by openness, mutual learning, and a free exchange of ideas. Over the past five years, UZH has significantly increased its research collaborations with Dutch universities, resulting in more than 5,200 co-authored publications across a broad range of fields, from the life sciences to the humanities.

On a university-wide level, joint research and academic exchange with Dutch universities are further supported by UZH's active involvement in international university networks. The University of Amsterdam is a member of both Universitas 21 (U21) and the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Leiden University is part of LERU and Una Europa. Furthermore, UZH works closely with Utrecht University via LERU.

UZH and Dutch institutions will continue to shape the future of higher education together. Learn more about upcoming events below.