The Story of the University of Twente

The challenges of our time are greater than before: global resilience, the digitalization of society, the improvement and personalization of healthcare, the reshaping of the world with smart materials and intelligent manufacturing. Technology has a leading role to play in providing solutinos for complex societal challenges worldwide - and only people can enable it to shine in that role. In our passion for understanding our planet and improving life for everyone on it, we celebrate the bonds between mankind and technology, knowing that neither could exist, let alone flourish, without the other.

All of our research and education is aimed at making a difference in today's society, while setting up the next generation for the future. In this pursuit, the entrepreneurial mind-set and global awareness of our many talented scientists, educators and students lead us to move beyond differences, disciplines, borders. The cross-disciplinary way of working that characterizes our university opens up unexpected possiblities - especially in combination with creativity and excellence in scientific disciplines. Our distinctive educational model, engineering approach and open culture generate new ideas, new energy, new ways forward.

A living smart campus where change begins

The University of Twente is a multicultural community of talented, ambitious people that offers students, scientists and educators from around the world the best possible conditions:

An innovative and vibrant campus
An engineering approach to societal challenges
Core technologies
Highly personal education
An outstanding track record in value creation

Over time, inspiring, curious people have combined their experience in technology, science and engineering with social sciences to initiate change, progress, renewal.

We call this 'High Tech Human Touch'. And we believe it is more relevant today than ever before.

Diversity, equity & inclusion

Foster diversity, raising awareness and breaking down barriers

Raising awarness, identifying and breaking down barriers. Putting policies and guidelines in place to transform the UT into an even more inclusive place for students, employees, partners and guests. We have to cherish and support each and everyone, to enable all of us to get a strong shared sense of belonging at our university

Urgency to take action

To promote diversity, enhance equity and boost inclusion, much is done and will be done. To properly coordinate, justify and connect these efforts, a dedicated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team is in place.

Enhancing a sense of belonging

Let's make sure we all benefit from the proven power of diversity. We want to create that shared sense of belonging. Together we strive to diversify and strengthen our community, by creating and cultivating a safe and vibrant working and learning environment.

Let's meet and talk!

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Team and all the committed individuals, teams and networks are here to support, raise awareness, guide and inspire. We are prepared and equipped to start tough conversations on challenging matters. We are here to listen, to act and to enable all of us to bring out the best in ourselves. Do you want to help or share your thoughts? Get in touch with the members of the DE&I Team or with other advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion at UT. Let's meet and talk!

SHAPING 2030: OUR MISSION

SHAPING 2030: OUR VISION

The mission represents our identity:

Being 'people-first' is our choice We serve humanity, aware of the interdependencies between people and our planet, and always aiming to make sue that people count on us.
We are a university of technology Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom.
We empower We enable society to achieve the goals it sets itself by wise use of science and technology.
We provide sustainable solutions We aim for thriving and resilient communities, with an eye for innovation opportuntities, with authoritative expertise, and with a keen sensitivity to society's needs.

Our vision:

A fair society in 2030: Making humans more humane Putting 'people first' includes all people. We will do whatever necessary to eliminate societal divides that bar certain individuals, or groups, from access to new technologies, the skills to use them, equality of opportunity, inclusiveness, health and well-being.
A sustainable society in 2030: Wellbeing within the ecosystem In an era in which unsustainable ways of living have become the biggest threat to humanity, we create viable solutions. It is our mission to respond to societal needs by developing sustainable, proactive measures to support our planet and the people to which it is home.
A digital society in 2030: contributing and benefitting The Digital Revolution has been the most life-changing technological development of our era. At this very moment, machine learning and artificial intelligence are transforming the way innovations emerge. Giving these developments, society has already had to reinvent itself, and so have universities.