New UvA strategy: university aims to be less “inward-looking”
The University of Amsterdam has set out its strategy and vision for the coming years in a new institutional plan for the 2027–2032 period, titled Together, we achieve more (Samen komen we verder). The university aims to strengthen its connections both with the outside world and within its own community.
“A university that is somewhat inward-looking.” According to the UvA’s new institutional plan, in which the university sets out its vision and strategy every six years, this is how external partners characterise the University of Amsterdam. During the consultation process for the new strategy, the criticism was expressed even more bluntly: the university was described as “self-focused” and “difficult to work with.”
The institutional plan – also referred to as the university’s “strategy” – sets out the UvA’s vision once every six years.
The previous UvA strategy, formulated in 2020 and in effect until the end of this calendar year, placed particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity and partnerships.
The Executive Board (CvB) therefore considered it important for the new UvA strategy, which will take effect next year, to place greater emphasis on the university’s character. Over the coming years, the UvA aims to become “more open” and “warmer.”
“A great place”
A key ambition outlined in the plan is for the UvA to become “a great place to work and study.” Outgoing rector magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek told the Central Student Council (CSR) that the university’s mediocre results in the National Student Survey (NSE) show that this is “certainly not” the case at present. The Executive Board is particularly concerned about the relatively high proportion of international students who say they do not feel at home at the university.
To address this, the university plans to invest in building a connected, safe, and inclusive academic community over the coming years. The UvA aims to foster a culture in which “social safety, open dialogue, and curiosity are taken for granted.” Its campuses and workplaces, which will undergo various changes in the coming years, are intended to become “accessible and vibrant environments” where “students and staff enjoy spending time.”
Despite continued pressure from national politics to limit the number of international students, the UvA says it intends to continue embracing its “international character” in the years ahead: “In our education, we create the conditions needed to be an international university. In doing so, we bring together different perspectives and strengthen the quality and relevance of our education and research.”
Working together
To improve collaboration with the outside world, the UvA plans to invest in so-called “knowledge coalitions,” in which the university works together with governments, businesses, social and cultural organisations, and other educational institutions. Through initiatives such as Citizen Science, the university also wants to involve “society” more actively in its work.
The university further sets itself the goal of creating societal impact through “top-level research” and recognising and developing “all talent.” The UvA aims to be “engaged,” “curious,” and “independent-minded”: “driven by expertise and a touch of Amsterdam bravado.”
The new multi-year strategy will be officially presented on 31 August.
