Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
3 September 2026
Magazine
Nederlands

Welmoed Visser

24 August 2026

Educator Selin Çakmak (26): ‘My parents have sold their souls to give me a soul’

Selin Çakmak believes education is an important way to make this world a better place. She knows firsthand how much difference education can make in a personal life.
19 August 2026

Rector meets new students with his dream of a more peaceful world

Belonging is the key word with which the new students are welcomed at the opening meeting of the VU Introduction Days. Rector Jeroen Geurts stresses students should bring their different perspectives and learn to listen to each other. He hopes…
18 August 2026

Assistant professor Amisah Bakuri (37): ‘I am happy in my small circle’

Anthropologist and assistant professor Amisah Bakuri has faced racial bias in academia, but protects her peace and joy with a strong support system around her.
24 June 2026

‘I don’t want to leave too much of myself at home to be a researcher’

Abongile Sonkosi obtained a joint PhD from VU and Rhodes University (South Africa). She studied the experiences of female, black PhD- candidates, and was one herself. During her months at VU she missed a sense of belonging. 
30 April 2026

‘If the CIS is closed, the VU will lose a vast network in emerging countries’

The VU plans to close the Centre for International Cooperation (CIS). This is due to a budget shortfall.
6 March 2026

Company takes bite out of student grants of at least 350 international students

A small company in Tilburg is charging a hefty fee to ‘assist’ international students with their student finance applications. The Education Executive Agency (DUO) questions the practice, but is unable to do anything about it as the company appears to…
11 February 2026

The disposable worker bees of science

Postdocs carry out a substantial share of academic work, but the conditions under which they do so are stressful. As a result, more than forty percent suffer from mental health problems, research shows.
5 February 2026

Students remain sceptical of VU Defence Centre

During a panel disussion about VU’s new Centre for Defence and Resilient Society (CDWS), students got a chance to voice their concerns. ‘Defence can easily become offence.’
10 December 2025

How to survive the grey Dutch winter

With its endless days of rain, fog and grey skies, winter in the Netherlands can be utterly depressing. Especially if you come from a sunnier region and have your friends and family living far away.
2 December 2025

Communication and Marketing has to make major cuts

At the Communication and Marketing department, 8.5 full-time positions (FTE) will be eliminated. A significant number of employees will also be given a different role. The reorganisation is part of a larger cost-cutting operation at VU.
Welmoed Visser
Welmoed Visser
Get in contact with Welmoed Visser