"Bewegen Buiten de Gebaande Paden"
PhD Defence Nanja Christel Bevers
- PhD Defence
"Interdisciplinary research to support shared decision-making in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease"
PhD Defence Lisi Guan
- PhD Defence
"Enhancing Sustainable Supply Chains: From Prioritisation to Recovery"
PhD Defence Wouter Arthur Johan Vints
- PhD Defence
"Resistance Training and Muscle-brain Crosstalk: Implications for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Spinal Cord Injury"
Caroline Coeckelbergh - never too old for sun protection
- UM news
Despite widespread awareness campaigns and well-known prevention strategies, the number of skin cancer cases continues to rise.
Hugo and the Law
- exhibition
- workshop
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the publication of the first volume of Actes et Paroles, the collection of Victor Hugo’s political speeches, an international event will take place at Maastricht University on 7-8 May 2025. The event is dedicated to the author’s conceptualization of several legal issues, and will explore innovative ways to trigger senses and experiences, engaging attendees through different channels (e.g., via a workshop, city walk, music, exhibition, film).
Find out what we do
Research Call Circularity
In 2024, UM launched a €350,000 research seed fund to promote interdisciplinary collaboration around the theme of Climate change. In 2025, the Research Call will specifically challenge circular research projects. The call specifically encourages joint proposals between faculties, recognising that complex sustainability challenges require diverse expertise. This initiative not only strengthens UM’s research profile in sustainability, but also generates knowledge with direct societal relevance. It reflects the university’s commitment to enabling research that supports systemic change. The outcomes of these projects will be shared with both academic and regional partners.
Swap Room
Located in the Sustainability Hub, the Swap Room offers students a place to exchange clothing and accessories—completely free of charge. With more than 1,000 clothing items swapped so far, the room brings the principles of circularity to life in a fun and accessible way. It encourages conscious consumption and helps reduce textile waste, one of the most polluting industries globally. The Swap Room is run by student volunteers and regularly hosts themed events and has become a vibrant part of UM’s campus sustainability culture.
Bike repair shop
UM’s student-led bike repair shop supports sustainable mobility by keeping bikes on the road and out of the waste stream. Over 100 bikes have already been repaired, often for free or at very low cost. Students learn hands-on repair skills, promoting a DIY ethos and increasing access to sustainable transport. The initiative contributes to a cycling-friendly campus and reduces reliance on car or public transport. It also fosters community-building and student empowerment through skill-sharing and peer support. The shop is integrated into the wider goals of promoting low-carbon living at UM.
UM Transition Platform
The UM Transition Platform connects researchers, educators, students and external partners who are working on transformative sustainability challenges. It serves as a space to share ideas, develop joint initiatives, and collaborate on complex transitions such as the shift to a circular economy, climate neutrality and social equity. The platform also plays a key role in the Euregional rollout, linking UM expertise with regional actors to accelerate change beyond the university. By bringing people and perspectives together, the platform fosters innovation and systemic thinking.
Find out what we do!
Framework: Transition to a Fossil-Free Society
Maastricht University has developed a framework to evaluate whether research projects and collaborations support or hinder the transition to a fossil-free society. This tool helps researchers assess the nature of their project and the role of the partner involved. If risks are identified, advice is sought from a dedicated Fossil Assessment Committee. The framework ensures that UM aligns its academic partnerships with its climate goals and values. It also increases transparency and encourages dialogue on the responsibilities of universities in tackling the climate crisis. The tool is now fully integrated into UM’s research approval processes.
Sustainable Catering Tender
UM is currently preparing a new university-wide catering tender with sustainability at its core. The aim is to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of campus food services while improving health and inclusivity. This includes offering more plant-based options, reducing food waste, sourcing responsibly, and improving transparency. The tender process involves input from students, staff and sustainability experts to ensure alignment with UM’s climate and circularity ambitions. Implementation is planned for 2026.
Climate Fresks
To raise awareness and understanding of climate change, UM has organised over ten Climate Fresk workshops with participation from hundreds of students and staff. This engaging workshop uses a collaborative game based on scientific sources, allowing participants to uncover the complex web of causes and consequences of climate disruption. The sessions spark insightful discussions and help translate knowledge into action, both individually and institutionally. They are part of a broader strategy to build climate literacy across the university. Due to their success, Climate Fresks will continue to be offered as part of UM’s sustainability engagement programme.
Education Grant
To accelerate the integration of sustainability in education, UM offers an annual Education Grant of €10,000. This funding supports innovative teaching projects that embed sustainability in course content, learning outcomes or teaching methods. The grant is open to all faculties and aims to empower educators to experiment and collaborate across disciplines. The Education Grant reflects UM’s commitment to preparing students as changemakers and supporting staff in this educational transformation.
Sustainable Mobility
UM is committed to making mobility to, from, and within the university more sustainable. This includes encouraging cycling, walking, and the use of public transport, as well as reducing emissions from business and student travel. New policies are being developed in consultation with faculties and service centres to align mobility behaviour with climate goals. Carbon reporting, incentive structures, and infrastructure improvements (like secure bike parking and e-bike support) are part of the approach. The aim is to foster a culture of low-impact mobility that fits the needs of a modern, international university.
Sustainable Real Estate at UM
Maastricht University is working to make its real estate healthier, more circular and low-carbon. This includes improving energy performance, reducing emissions (Scope 1 & 2), and integrating nature-based solutions like green roofs and biodiversity-friendly landscaping. By embedding sustainability into every stage of real estate planning—from renovation to new builds—UM is creating a campus environment that supports wellbeing, climate resilience and future-proof design in the long-term.
