The University of Groningen is an international academic community in which disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research leads to scientific breakthroughs and societal innovation, and in which talented students are trained as innovators who will contribute to a sustainable society. Its research and education are driven by intrinsic curiosity and interaction with global society. As a result, research, education and processes that have a societal impact are closely intertwined at the University. Our research, which is of the highest standing, is based on strong core disciplines and a critical mass of researchers. These strong core disciplines are the foundation of our cross-disciplinary research. Our research in these core disciplines and our cross-disciplinary research help us to both deepen our fundamental understanding and knowledge of the world and find innovative answers to today’s societal challenges. Understanding the world and putting this knowledge to use are two key responsibilities. With these responsibilities in mind, we actively engage in the dissemination of knowledge and converting this knowledge into economic and societal value. We do this with an emphasis on our three research priorities – healthy ageing, energy and sustainable society – and with a specific focus on the needs of the Northern Netherlands. We want our students to become active, independent, and responsible citizens who can think critically and help solve the scientific and societal challenges of today and become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. To achieve this goal we aim at small-scale teaching and focus on establishing strong links between students and staff, between teaching and research, and between teaching and relevant social issues in national and international contexts. Exceptional teaching and research are only feasible with a diverse perspective on teaching and research and a university community encompassing different talents and nationalities. We achieve this by establishing a setting in which talent is recognized and can blossom. In keeping with the University’s ambitions, talented staff and students from all over the world are attracted by the career prospects and challenging study programmes. Moreover, they are given ample opportunity to apply, train and develop their specific strengths. Our university thus delivers a knowledgeable workforce that can make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of the world and solving the challenges it presents. We believe that it is important to keep in touch with our alumni around the globe and to enable them to contribute to the mission of the university.