VSNU

Profile

Leiden University is an internationally oriented university offering a wide range of research inspired bachelor and master programmes, aimed at talented students. Its international reputation in the field of research is confirmed by its prominent position in several rankings of universities in Europe and the world.

In 2002 Leiden University initiated the founding of LERU, the League of European research universities, an association of 12 European top universities, in 2006 extended to 20 institutions. Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. Several great scholars and scientists have brought fame to Leiden University.

Four professors have received the Nobel Prize for their research performed at Universiteit Leiden: Kamerlingh Onnes for Physics, Hendrik Antoon Lorentz and Pieter Zeeman in the field of Optical and Electronic Phenomena, and the physiologist Willem Einthoven for his invention of the string galvanometer which enabled the development of Electrocardiography.

In addition, the physicists Albert Einstein and Paul Ehrenfest, the Arabist and Islam expert Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje and the law expert Cornelis van Vollenhoven are among those who have propelled the university into a position of international prominence.
In the ranking of The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) Leiden University holds position 124. On the Shanghai Jiaotong-ranking it holds place 70 (2010)