How do toxic substances impact zebrafish, and do they impact humans as well? How reliable are climate models, and how many resources do we consume as a society? The Amsterdam Global Change Institute accommodates the cooperative efforts of more than 200 researchers, working across the board in the fields of global change, sustainability and the environment.

Proximity to the Amsterdam "Zuidas" business district offers collaborative opportunities with leading financial institutions and companies. Duisenberg school of finance leverages its network with these businesses to develop academic courses that respond to current financial market demands. By integrating theory and practice, stimulating critical thinking and continuously reflecting on the dynamic financial landscape, the groundwork is laid for the next generation of responsible financial leaders.

The Honours Programme grants talented and motivated students the opportunity to look further than the limits of their own fields. Starting from the third semester, Honours students take courses from their own field and from an interfaculty programme. Top lecturers share their knowledge of current themes such as climate change, the heredity of stress sensitivity and the economic impacts of globalisation.

“Limitless performance” is the university’s theme for this academic year, and various activities will take place accordingly. The theme has two sides: on the one hand it means shifting limits and looking further beyond them, while on the other hand it means exceeding those limits. By considering both sides, VU University Amsterdam provides excellence in both education and research.