History has been taught at Leiden University since the days of Justus Lipsius (1547-1606). In 1860, following the appointment of Robert Fruin as Leiden professor of Dutch History, modern historical investigation started in the Netherlands. Ever since, the history department of Leiden University has expanded.

The Leiden University Institute for History is the home of a substantial research staff, including 40 employed and contract PhD candidates. The academic leaders connected to the institute's research programmes are internationally renowned scholars that engage in numerous networks, contribute to important conferences and publish with outstanding academic presses. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025 History at Leiden University is rated 1st in The Netherlands and 18th in the world.

Global history

The Leiden University Institute for History has chairs in various fields, like Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Contemporary, Maritime, Social, Economic, Urban, Dutch, African, American and Latin American  History. Besides, adjacent departments in the Faculty of Humanities have chairs in Turkish, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese History. The vicinity of many libraries, institutes and museums in Leiden and the National Archives and the Royal Library in The Hague, at twenty minutes travel distance, makes conducting research in Leiden all the more attractive.

Management Team & Councils

Management Team

The Management Team is responsible for all matters concerning the institute, and comprises four members: 

• The Academic Director of the Institute for History is Prof. dr. H.J. (Herman) Paul. The Academic Director is the head of the Institute for History, and as such carries overall responsibility for the institute. The Academic Director is directly answerable to the Faculty Board. E-mail: wd-geschiedenis@hum.leidenuniv.nl
• The Director of Studies of the Institute for History is Dr. C.V. (Claire) Weeda. The Director of Studies is responsible for the teaching activities of the Institute. E-mail: ih-od@hum.leidenuniv.nl 
• The Director of Research of the Institute for History is Prof. dr. (Damian) D.A. Pargas. The Director of Research is responsible for the coordination of the PhD programme, research funding and the approval of visiting researchers affiliated with the Institute. E-mail: d.a.pargas@hum.leidenuniv.nl
• The Institute Manager of the Institute for History is R.J. (Rebecca) Wensma BA. The Institute Manager is in charge of the operational affairs of the Institute, such as finances, personnel and the internal organisation of the institute. E-mail: institute.history@hum.leidenuniv.nl 

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council comprises the following members:
Mr.dr. A.I. (Anne Isabelle) Richard (chair), Prof.dr. E. (Ed) Amann, Prof.dr. M.E. (Mirjam) de Bruijn, Prof.dr. P.C.H. (Philippe) Buc, Dr. M.E.L. (Maxine) David, Prof.dr. I.G.B.M. (Isabelle) Duijvesteijn, Dr. M. (Miko) Flohr, Prof.dr. J.J.L. (Jos) Gommans, Prof.dr. M.P.C. (Manon) van der Heijden, Prof.dr. L. (Luuk) de Ligt, Dr. M. (Marion) Pluskota, Prof. dr. J.S. (Judith) Pollmann, Prof.dr. B. (Bernhard) Rieger, M. (Maud) Rijks MA, H.J. (Henrike) Vellinga MA. 

Institute Council

The Institute Council comprises all staff members of the Institute for History and is chaired by Dr. K. (Karen) Smith.

PhD Council

The PhD Council represents all PhD candidates at the Institute for History. It meets regularly with the Director of Research and is also represented on the Advisory Council. The PhD Council aims to stay informed about developments affecting PhD candidates affiliated with the Institute and to represent their interests where appropriate. Its current board members are: Maud Rijks (chair), Henrike Vellinga (secretary), Suzan Abozyid, Eileen van der Burgh and Caroline Schep.

Institute Secretariat

The secretariat supports the Management Team and staff of the Institute for History and is committed to assisting with a wide range of practical matters and enquiries.