Over 30 ambassadors strengthened their ties with researchers and university leaders in a recent visit to Leiden University. Cross-border collaboration (both literal and figurative) was the theme of presentations and a tour of the Hortus botanicus.

How many decimal places of π (pi) do you know by heart? That was the question during a special competition on pi day last week in the central hall of the Gorlaeus. The winner of the competition managed to recite 169 digits after the comma. Jonathan Love reveals his secret.

Organisation, Research

For over 25 years, Christiaan Pen has been a valuable member of the faculty, both as an instrument maker and emergency responder. What is it like to support your colleagues during crises? Five questions for Christiaan.

Quantum technology, statistics and a survey with memes: definitely not your everyday research. Julia Cramer (Leiden Institute of Physics) and Sanne Willems (Institute of Psychology) investigate how people perceive quantum.

2,240 plant extracts from 1,299 different plant species of Dutch origin. That’s the collection of the Dutch Extract Library, which has recently been transferred to the Institute of Biology Leiden. To plant biologist and contact person for this library Pingtao Ding this is a true treasury. ‘To bring…

The free AI and Ethics course (in Dutch) is available online to anyone who wants to find out more about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. One of the eight experts featured in the course is Professor Reijer Passchier. ‘Artificial Intelligence is spreading so fast and has such an impact…

Organisation, Social

A delegation from Leiden University visited the Netherlands Institute Morocco (NIMAR) in Rabat at the end of February.

Simple and effective communication with your colleagues is often easier said than done. The ‘Use your strengths to communicate’ skills lab helps you hone your communication skills. We asked two colleagues about the impact of the course on their personal and professional lives.

Her office is a bit tucked away in a corner of the building, but her department is always buzzing with activity. Since May 2024, Renate Rijbroek has been our new Head of Facility Management. There was no slow start: ‘We are working hard towards the official opening in September.’

Tic tac toe, but with quantum effects. That makes learning the principles of quantum technology a piece of cake. This is the aim of a new start-up founded by researcher Evert van Nieuwenburg: QuantumPlayed. ‘Quantum is all around us and everyone should be able to learn about it.’

Human resources

Are you working full-time? In that case you are entitled to 152 hours of leave per year. However, at Dutch universities, an additional 80 hours are added thanks to the collective labour agreement (cao). How does this work exactly? Emiel Turlings explains how leave works.

At a work meal HR Policy Adviser Petra Boerlage and Associate Professor Robert Stein got talking about the ‘worlds’ of academic and support staff: are they really that different, they wondered. And wouldn’t it be good if staff knew more about each other? The two put their money where their mouths are…

Since September, Jelle Oonk has been the chair of the Science Faculty Council. Jelle is a third-year student, combining Physics and Astronomy studies with this responsible role. Time to get to know him better. Five questions for the new chair.

From 1 October onwards, Dennis Claessen and Marcel Schaaf will be the new directors of education of Biology. They will replace Han de Winde. Schaaf will be responsible for the bachelor, while Claessen will mainly focus on the master tracks of Biology. We gave students and the education office the change…

With a self-converted red camper van, biologists and twin brothers Kevin and Marvin Groen go on a nature adventure in Eastern Europe. Together, they search for wild animals, beautiful nature and places to sport. From a long search for a bear in the Slovakian wilderness to the discovery that pelicans…

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Have you just started your new job at Leiden University? On this page you'll find an overview of several useful pages and tips to help get you started.

The University buildings have their own evacuation assembly point. Make sure you know where to find the assembly point of the building you are currently in.

When you decide to move to the Netherlands and bring along your family there is a great deal that needs to be taken care of. We will provide some information on schools, childcare and learning Dutch to help you settle in in the Netherlands.

You are entitled to an allowance for your commuting expenses. The amount of your commuting allowance depends on your means of transport and the number of kilometres.

Leiden University has two active staff networks that organise various activities every year. From domestic and foreign city trips to challenging sports clinics and creative workshops. In short: fun outings where you can get to know your colleagues even better.

Kaltura (Personal) Capture allows you to make recordings in various ways and upload them to the video portal.

Within the university you can reserve rooms for educational and non-regular educational purposes, but also for events, meetings and gatherings.

As a student mentor, you are involved in the mentoring programme on behalf of your study programme. You will receive information about your role as a student mentor from a dedicated mentoring coordinator from your study programme or faculty.

Leiden University offers its staff an attractive package of benefits. Here you will find more information about the contents of the package and answers to practical questions such as: How to request vacation? Which costs can be reimbursed? When is the university closed?

The university strives to create a pleasant working environment for everyone. From terms of employment to health and development: here you will find the right information and support.

When you hear the alarm, it is important to know what is expected of you. Below you will find the general instructions for employees. Also, you will find instructions for teachers on how to lead their students outside.

Hippo is the University’s content management system (CMS).

The most important elements of GROW are highlighted in 5-minute microlearnings.

Leiden University appreciates it if you explain your work to a wider audience every now and then. We encourage media contributions and have people and tools to help you with this.

Would you like to explore the next step in your career, or find out what your future options are? Do you have specific qualities that you’d like to develop further in your work? Or are you wondering whether you’re still in the right place or might like something different, but don’t know what or where…

Do you find it difficult to set boundaries? Do you suffer from work pressure? Do you want to avoid unhealthy stress, or restore your balance? Our coaches can help you to reflect on yourself, allowing you to do your work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Study information

Leiden University has a high rate of student success. The Leiden Study System was developed to help students study faster and more effectively. They receive the optimum support while choosing which programme to study and during their studies themselves.

We can all do our bit to keep our information and personal data safe. It’s easier than you think and is often about the small things. Working privacy and security smart means protecting your own data and that of your colleagues. Want to know how best to go about that? Check it out here!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) can be an aspect of teaching and learning, an outcome to achieve and/or an atmosphere to create. On this page you can find out more information in terms of support and best practices.