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“Do you make lists too?” This was one of the first questions that professor of Financial Services Lisa Brüggen asked PhD candidate Jenna Barrett. Her affirmative reply sealed the deal. An inspiring and fruitful partnership ensued, resulting in Barrett’s dissertation ‘Money matters: Understanding and improving financial wellbeing.’ “My research provides new insights into how you can define, measure and improve financial wellbeing.”

The Grote Gracht is richly lined with historical buildings that conceal remarkable stories. Once again, our “hidden gem” is located on this street in Maastricht, this time at number 76: the (bike) cellar.

Since Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on July 1st, its Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has embarked on a widely criticized peace mission for Ukraine, including meetings with leaders of Russia and China. This has led to much speculation about what the next six months of the Hungarian presidency will mean for the EU. Studio Europa Maastricht discussed this with Dr Giselle Bosse, Associate Professor and Jean Monnet Chair in EU International Relations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Maastricht University.

Maastricht University has built a new research greenhouse at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo. Starting on September 1, research will be conducted in this high-tech greenhouse on the agriculture and horticulture of the future: from new cultivation techniques and the development of plants to the optimization of healthy nutrients in crops.

As a toddler, Pieter du Plessis couldn’t stay away from the kitchen. He later entertained the idea of becoming a chef—until his dream faltered under the harsh light of reality. Now a PhD candidate at Maastricht University, he uses national dishes as a lens to examine South Africa’s past and identity. A juicy fact: Du Plessis, who grew up in a meat-eating culture, recently went vegan.

A study conducted by the Easo led by Prof. Gijs Goossens of Maastricht UMC+ and Dr. Luca Busetto published today in Nature Medicine.

The School of Business and Economics is located in a former Jesuit monastery. This former Jesuit monastery has played many roles over the years. It was also the first building to belong to Maastricht University, then known as Rijksuniversiteit Limburg. Here, the initial 50 first-year students started their studies in September 1974. 

UM alumni Brian and Rob Timmermans combined their degrees in Econometrics and Sustainable Finance with their passion for karate, resulting in an ever-expanding trophy collection. Both brothers are multi-time and reigning Dutch champions in their respective weight classes and have achieved success on the international stage. “Doing karate is like solving a complex maths problem.”

"I am proud that our new Circular Plastics group published its first completely in-house research," Kim Ragaert says. She founded the research group three years ago, when she moved to Maastricht. Her work has laid the foundations for many innovations in the field of plastic recycling, and she is currently developing a research facility that will bring the plastic recycling world together. All in all, it is the perfect moment for her inaugural speech on July 4th.

Drawing blood, inserting an IV, or looking into the ear; even seemingly simple medical procedures can cause anxiety, pain, and stress in children. According to pediatric intensivist Piet Leroy, comfort and trust are just as important as the medical treatment itself. Therefore, he is researching how healthcare providers can offer trauma-free care and how they can learn to apply comfort care. Leroy has been appointed as a professor of "procedural comfort care, sedation, and analgesia in children for trauma-free care," and delivered his inaugural speech titled "Embrace Vulnerability" on March 8, 2024.