Universe Awareness (UNAWE), an international programme that inspires children from the age of four to twelve with our wonderful cosmos, exists ten years.

The Edinburgh Medal 2016 had been awarded to both Kevin Govender of the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The award is a recognition for furthering education and technological capacity worldwide through the inspirational science of astronomy. The…

How do you offer high-quality and interesting education with simple means? Universe Awareness of Leiden University spoke about this during the annual science festival in Botswana. With among others a laser experiment compiled of household materials, they showed the possibilities to interest young people…

In September 2016, the educational programme Universe Awareness (UNAWE) implemented a series of educational activities at Basisschool De Verrekijker, a primary school for refugee children in Katwijk, the Netherlands.

Universe Awareness is one of fifteen projects chosen by WISE for providing compelling and innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in education.

Educational programme Universe Awareness (UNAWE) is one of HundrED's 100 Global Inspiring Innovations in Education. This was announced on 4 October 2017 at the HundrED Innovation Summit.

Universe in a Box has been recognised for its educational value by Scientix — the European Network of Science Education. Universe in a Box is the low-cost, inquiry-based astronomy education resource of Universe Awareness (UNAWE). On Friday 22nd May this resource was awarded the Scientix Resources Award…

Space, stars, and galaxies. The wonders of the universe can be captivating and studying them is helping us unravel their mysteries. This edition of 'Learning World' looks at some projects that are offering classroom experiences that are truly out of this world.

Astronomer and science communicator Pedro Russo is awarded the K.J Cath Prize and € 2,500 for his outreach efforts that bring science to the general public. ‘There are so many bright scientists, and so few people communicating about science.’

The new environmental plan devotes a lot of attention to ways of involving staff and students in the University's policies on the environment.

On 5 September 2016 Space Awareness launched their first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on teaching with space and astronomy in the classroom.

In addition to the activities we already offer, our ambition is to offer a broad and contemporary school programme. This is now under development and will be published on this website in the coming months.

Astronomers want to understand the Universe, from the Big Bang to the present day, and what the future will hold. In Leiden they focus on two key questions: ‘How did stars and planets originate’ and ‘How were galaxies and black holes formed in the young Universe?’ A new generation of telescopes – just…

Science education project Space Awareness engaged 230,000 people in 68 countries with the excitement and challenges of space sciences and technologies. After three years, the project coordinated by Leiden Observatory came to an end in March and has now been evaluated.

The research question is that unconscious perseverative cognition (UPC) is responsible for a considerable part of cardiovascular (CV) activity that occurs even in the absence of threats and other stressors that one may encounter in one’s daily life.

From underground heat exchangers at the Bio Science Park to drinking taps to replace water coolers. With its new environmental policy plan, Leiden University will become greener in the coming years.

In March 2019, the Institute for Public Administration launched the MOOC Population Health Governance, in collaboration with the LUMC at Leiden University. The MOOC was one of the first modules to became available at the Coursera platform, as part of the ongoing development of the new Master’s programme…

Leiden University is very aware of its role in society. Good scientific research and teaching are crucial for a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world; this is one of the premises of the University's 2015-2016 Strategic Plan 'Freedom to Excel'. You can read in this dossier about how…

The main research question of this PhD project focus on how educational policies and practices can contribute to the promotion and understanding of archaeological indigenous heritage among teachers and students in the Caribbean?

More than 100 teachers, educators and policymakers from 25 countries gathered in Leiden from 18 October for the Space Education International Workshop. Their goal is to inspire children using astronomy and space sciences.

From exercises for working more healthily to practical tips about getting a good night's sleep. Students and staff who take part in the Healthy University Workshops on 18 or 19 October will be given tips to suit their personal situation.

By carrying out fundamental research and providing excellent education, universities become a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Astronomy & Society Group provides the focus for Leiden Observatory’s aim to engage the public with the wonders of the universe and share the scientific, technological, cultural and educational aspects of astronomy with society.

As far back as 1575, Leiden University researchers have been leaving their mark on the world. They conduct ground-breaking research, provide medical breakthroughs, write trailblazing books and have been awarded 15 Nobel Prizes and 21 Spinoza Prizes for their pioneering work. Leiden University is a fertile…

Within the two-year Astronomy master’s programme, you can choose from seven specialisations, ranging from fundamental or applied astronomy research in cosmology, instrumentation or data science, to combinations of astronomy research with education, management or science communication.

Everyone can contribute to a better climate. One thing you can do is to turn the heating down in your room and wear a warmer sweater! Leiden University is taking part in the Warm Sweater Day again this year. On 2 February the heating will be turned down to 16 degrees in as many University buildings…

The world around us is changing. What does that mean for the future of Europe, on this turbulent world stage? And what does it mean for our teaching, and for the expectations that Leiden University has of its students? These were the key questions during the opening of the 2018-2019 academic year on…

Since the start of the Green Office, several projects has been initiated to increase awareness amongst staff & students and to make the university more sustainable. Read here all about our past and current projects.

We are the hub in Leiden where students and staff members cooperate to make our University more sustainable!

Massive science communication projects should be based on strong and relevant science cases. They should engage with a large number of stakeholders, not only in research, academia, policy, funding and governance but also in less traditional communities, such as the arts field. This is the outcome of…

Universe Awareness (UNAWE) started a crowdfunding campaign together with Design & Data GmbH, with a central role for the plush 'astronaut' Rosetta. This stuffed toy is used for interactive classes, in order to teach pupils across the world about astronomy and space sciences.

Science, Leiden Observatory

Why does the past elicit this intense activity in the present? What does the past mean for the present, and what does it do to it? A WAR OF WORDS will engage this complex of Chinese claims to Manchu-Korean ancient history, South Korean reactions, public discourse and cultural expression in both states,…

When after 4 years or more, you have finished your dissertation, it is time to prepare for the defence procedure. You need to fill out several forms before the ceremony.

Staring into the clouds hoping for a glimpse of the sun, cheering in encouragement, video recordings: there was no shortage of things to do at the Leiden Observatory. More than 600 visitors witnessed the last, almost complete solar eclipse of the decade..

The Leiden University Green Office (LUGO) is working hard to make Leiden University more sustainable. We want to achieve this by reducing the ecological footprint of our University and by creating awareness about sustainability amongst staff and students. Find out more about our events on our…

On Monday 9 May Mercury will pass between the Earth and the Sun. This rare event can be followed in the Leiden Observatory. The Observatory's new solar telescope produces a very clear image and offers a unique opportunity to observe Mercury at the highest magnification possible in the Netherlands.

Many members of the Royal Family have studied at Leiden University and several have been awarded an honorary doctorate.

How did our universe come into being? Are there any other planets that support life? Read all about it in our new research dossier ‘Exploring the universe’.

Didactics

This year, Leiden University will participate for the first time in the Cultural Talent to the Top monitor. This will provide insight into the University’s diversity policy with regard to staff from a non-western background. The ultimate aim is to promote ethnic and cultural diversity in certain rol…

European higher education may benefit from becoming even more international, but universities should protect European values such as participation and freedom of thought. This was the position taken by European Commissioner Navracsics on 10 November in a debate with Minister Bussemaker and students…

The Access & Support Platform is a network of disability experts by experience, i.e. staff and students, at Leiden University. ASP invites all members of the Leiden University community to work with us towards an inclusive and accessible Leiden University that fosters the equitable treatment of staff…

Promotor: A. Achúcarro, Co-promotor: A. Boyarsky

Inclusive teaching and research, a good reflection of society and a safe and accessible learning and working environment. The new Diversity and Inclusion Work Plan has set the direction of University policy and aims to create a university where everyone feels respected and at home. Diversity Officer…

The Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Office advises the Executive Board and works in close collaboration with the faculties, expertise centres and policy administrations to promote diversity and inclusion

Research at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) focuses on linguistic variation and diversity.

Leiden University is in third place in the SustainaBul sustainability ranking. Students from eleven research universities and nine universities of applied sciences took part in the ranking.