Europe is an important theme within Maastricht University. For good reason the strategic programme 2022-2026 is called 'The European university of the Netherlands'. 2022 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty; time to take stock of European integration. Moreover, a special conference on the future of Europe is scheduled in Maastricht from 11 to 13 February 2022.

Plenty of reasons for the European university of the Netherlands to launch a new series of stories, and to publish an overview of all of our 'UM and Europe' information. Read the news, stories, press releases, videos and background information here, or find out directly why Maastricht University is the European university of the Netherlands.

  Read more: Stories & interviews
  Know more: News & press releases 
  See more: Videos 
  More UM: The European university of the Netherlands

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, themes like physical and mental wellbeing are perhaps more relevant and important than ever. Maastricht University devotes a great deal of attention to the wellbeing of its students and staff. A healthy and safe environment, personal development and support, and other related topics are key elements of our education, research and our Strategic Programme 2022-2026.

In addition, the university offers a wide range of initiatives and activities related to wellbeing. Read more about these initiatives and activities here, or keep reading for more 'UM & wellbeing' news, stories, press releases, videos and background information.

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  More UM: Wellbeing at UM

'A caring and sustainable university’ is the subtitle of our Strategic Programme 2022-2026. Sustainability has long been a core value of Maastricht University, and it will be increasingly important in the near future. UM wants to integrate sustainability in the DNA of the entire organisation and make a substantial contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The programme Sustainable UM2030 facilitates the integration of sustainability into UM. 

On this page you can read news, stories, press releases, videos and background information on 'UM & Sustainability'. And here is more background to sustainability at UM.

  Read more: Stories & interviews
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  More UM: A sustainable university

Farewell interview

Want to know more about Martin Paul, his time at UM and why he chose Bochum? Read his final interview here.

A special painting

According to tradition, Martin Paul was also portrayed by an artist of his own choice. Together with the UM Art and Heritage Committee he chose artist Luc Dondeyne. The special painting is entitled 'A Tribute'.

View the livestream and photos of Martin Paul’s farewell lecture below.

Click the icon to view the entire series.
All photos by Harry Heuts.

Our colleague Robert Peperkamp passed away unexpectedly. This sad news has touched us deeply.

Robert worked as an ICT developer in the Department of Educational Development and Research at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, since 1993.

After starting as an intern, Robert developed into a silent but important staff member within our department. Using his expertise in the field of ICT and testing, he ensured that the ideas and ambitions of others were translated into practical applications in education. In the capacity of a highly skilled ICT developer, for decades Robert was the pillar we could rely and build on when deploying computerised assessments. Not only in our own educational programmes but also in collaborative projects with others. In addition, Robert has made a substantial contribution to the success of the interuniversity progress test of the medical programme. Thanks to his ongoing input and work – often behind the scenes – more than 10,000 students were able to take a progress test four times a year. Numerous students and colleagues have benefited from his unique expertise. He was a dedicated and loyal colleague who was very passionate about his profession. He was always willing to perform additional tasks and think along about innovations, about how things could be done better or differently. Justice was of paramount importance to him. We are deeply shocked by his sudden death.

We will remember Robert as a very knowledgeable, dedicated and committed colleague. Our thoughts are with his parents and family to whom we extend our sincerest condolences.

Colleagues of the Department of Educational Development and Research

Transforming universities was the theme of the Opening Academic Year 2021/2022 on 6 September. Central questions: how does UM transform itself, how do we adapt and innovate as a response to the course of events, but also how can we be change-makers and transform society to contribute to a safer and brighter future? The programme was filled with people who contribute to our own and social transformation: the “transforming agents”. From keynote speaker Mamokgethi Phakeng to Student Prize winner Vera Karagiannidou, from honorary doctor Jaap van Dissel to Katleen Gabriels, winner of the Edmond Hustinx Prize 2021.

The Opening Academic Year was also the moment to present the Strategic Programme 2022-2026, including lots of background information, interviews and inspiring examples.

  Take a look at the photos and videos of the Opening Academic Year below
  Also read the news item

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Photos: Philip Driessen and Jasper Kijk in de Vegte (morning session).
 

What is it all about?

The strategic programme sets out UM's ambitions and overall vision for a five-year period. It describes how we will fulfil our ambition to be and to remain the European university of the Netherlands. It covers which Sustainable Development Goals have our special attention, how we want to further enrich our highly-regarded Problem-Based Learning with technology, as well as why we are adding a fourth theme to our research profile—Sustainability & Circularity. We also discuss how we link our interdisciplinary research to issues that affect society, in Europe and around the world.

What are you waiting for? Watch the video!

This video presents the contents of the strategic programme in an engaging way. And it's interactive, so you decide where to navigate to and what to watch. From the reactions of people outside the university to more in-depth coverage of the main points, you will find it in this video.

In order to achieve these objectives, the SenUM board prepares an annual program that includes the following fixed elements:

• excursions to cities and/or museums (mostly 4);
• visits to companies and institutions;
• nature/bird walks (mostly 2);
• lectures by UM staff or third parties on contemporary topics, for example about developments at UM or groundbreaking research projects at UM (mostly 4).
• encouraging the involvement of SenUM members in relevant temporary and more structural activities at the university, for which UM also provides the necessary resources.

The annual assemble is concluded mid-December with the Annie Kanitz end-of-year reception. A first outline of the plans for the following year is also presented during that event. Of course, there is also an annual general assembly (in the spring).
 

For example, we organised the following activities in 2024:

• Excursions/day visits: 
  • Cologne
  • Kamp Vught and ’s-Hertogenbosch
  • Antwerp
  • Eindhoven
• Nature/bird walks
  • Orchid garden in the Gerendal(2x)
  • Prehistoric Flintmine Rijckholt
  • Stokkem and area
• Lectures
  • Einstein Telescope and Pathfinder
  • Brain haemorrhages and strokes
  • Older adults in literature
  • Current economic developments
  • Communication with animals, particularly cows
• Visits to local businesses
  • Regional Historic Centre Limburg
  • L1 studios

 
Additionally, there are three member clubs that were established under the auspices of the board but are otherwise independent of the activities organised by the SenUM board: two walking clubs and a photography club.

Various UM facilities are available for SenUM members, such as:

• members receive by mail three times a year the UMagazine that provides a glimpse into the most important developments and achievements in education and research;
• an invitation to the annual Dies Natalis and the opening of the academic year;
• upon request, a free pass to the University Library; check the tab 'UM Pensioners' on the UB website for more info;
• on request, a membership at UM SPORTS at an attractive rate; here you can for example participate in special (senior) gym workouts;
• attending paid activities offered by Studium Generale, e.g. lecture series, can be attended at a reduced rate.

The association had circa 350 members in 2024. SenUM receives annual funding from Maastricht University and further funds its activities from membership fees. If activities involve large costs, participants are asked to contribute a small amount.

In 2025, the yearly contribution for a former employee is € 20,- and € 10,- for their partner.

Since 1 September 2024, the board consists of: