Utrecht University, located in the Netherlands, is a renowned public research institution with a rich history, dating back to its establishment on March 26, 1636, making it one of the oldest universities in the country. As of 2018, the university boasted an enrollment of 31,801 students and a dedicated faculty and staff of 7,191 individuals. In that same year, 525 Ph.D. degrees were conferred, and the university published an impressive 6,948 scientific articles. Utrecht University's budget for 2018 was €857 million.
The institution has a distinguished academic tradition, with numerous notable scholars among its alumni and faculty, including 12 Nobel Prize laureates and 13 Spinoza Prize recipients. Utrecht University consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally in prestigious international rankings. In the 2019 Shanghai Ranking of World Universities, it secured the title of the best university in the Netherlands, standing 13th in Europe and 49th worldwide.
The university's motto, "Sol Iustitiae Illustra Nos," translates to "May the Sun of Righteousness Enlighten Us" and is derived from a literal Latin Bible interpretation of Malachi 4:2. Notably, Rutgers University, which shares historical ties with Utrecht University, uses a modified version of this motto.
Utrecht University is governed by the University Board, composed of Prof. Dr. Henk Kummeling (Rector Magnificus), Prof. Dr. Anton Pijpers (Chair), and Prof. Mr. Annetje Ottow (Vice Chair). The university maintains strong international connections through its membership in the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the Utrecht Network, and the European University Association (EUA).
