academic ranking of world universities annual reviewrev … · yantai branch campus in china....

Annual Review 2014–2015

Academic Ranking of World UniversitiesBiggar Economics

Branch Campus YantaiEnergy

Energy Academy EuropeERC Advanced Grant

GELIFESGreen Office Groningen

Healthy AgeingKorea Corner

NatureNetherlands Scientific Expedition Edgeøya

SpitsbergenScience

Spinoza PrizeSustainable Society

University Campus FryslânUniversity College Groningen

Annual ReviewRevUniversity ofrsiGroningennin 2014–2015–20

Annual Review 2014–2015 Annual Review 2014–2015 1

The Annual Review aims to provide a general impression of the University of Groningen in the academic year 2014-2015. The official facts and figures concerning the University’s activities are shown in the University of Groningen Annual Reports: www.rug.nl/jaarverslag.

Annual Review University ofGroningen 2014–2015

Annual Review 2014–2015 Annual Review 2014–20152

Foreword

››

The academic year 2014-2015 followed the very special year in which we celebrated our University’s 400th anniversary. Its 401st year might not – in terms of the figure, at least – speak quite so much to the imagination, but there were were plenty of special moments to hold in our memories.

For instance, just as in the previous year, a University of Groningen researcher won the Spinoza Prize (sometimes referred to as ‘the Dutch Nobel Prize’). Where last year it was ‘bird professor’ Theunis Piersma who clocked up this achievement, this year it was Cisca Wijmenga, Professor of Medical Genetics.

And this was not the only interesting or important event. We also consolidated our place among the global top 100 research universities, and opened University College Groningen. One event that will most probably never be erased from our collective memory is the Netherlands Scientific Expedition Edgeøya Spitsbergen, the largest Dutch polar expedition ever.

While the ‘tree’ of the University is rooted firmly in Groningen, ‘branches’ were developed elsewhere: our Campus Fryslân in Leeuwarden, and the Yantai branch campus in China. Thanks in part to these developments, our teaching and research will continue to benefit from many diverse perspectives and approaches. This diversity is necessary to solve the great questions and issues with which our society is confronted.

3

Board of the UniversityUniversity of Groningen

From left to right:Prof. Elmer Sterken, Rector MagnificusJan de Jeu, Vice-PresidentProf. Sibrand Poppema, President

Annual ReviewUniversity ofGroningen 2014–2015

4 Annual Review 2014–2015 Annual Review 2014–2015 5

S E P T E M B E R

Opening of University College Groningen

University College Groningen (UCG) was officially opened. UCG offers an English-taught Bachelor’s degree programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences. The students live and study on their own campus.

1 Opening of Academic Year 2014–2015

Frans Timmermans, then-Minister for Foreign Affairs (now European Commissioner), was the guest of honour at the opening of the academic year. The ceremony was held in the Martinikerk in Groningen. He was invited by the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (CEASG).

S E P T E M B E R1

September 2014 September 2014

History of the University of Groningen

Professor of History Klaas van Berkel presented part I of his history of the University of Groningen to Rector Magnificus Elmer Sterken. The book examines the first two centuries of the University’s 400-year history.

S E P T E M B E R12 University of Groningen enrols 30,000th student

The University of Groningen reached a record number of enrolments: 30,041. The University has the third highest number of students in the Netherlands. The number of interna-tional students at the University of Groningen rose from 4,151 to 4,551 (13.2%).

S E P T E M B E R30

Life stories of Moroccan and Turkish-born Dutch citizens

PhD ceremony of Femke Stock, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

S E P T E M B E R4

S E P T E M B E R

Piersma awarded Spinoza Prize

Migratory bird ecologist Theunis Piersma was awarded a Spinoza prize by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), to the value of € 2.5 million. This is the Netherlands’ highest scientific accolade and King Willem-Alexander attended the presentation.

9


Two sporting highlightsStudent of Medicine Epke Zonderland retained his world title on the high bar in Nanning, China, making him reigning Olympic, European and World champion. In Tallinn (Estonia), Groningen physics student Roel Boomstra won the European draughts title. He also won a bronze medal in the 2013 World Championships.

12

wwoo spsport

22215

O C T O B E R

October 2014 October 2014

O C T O B E R1 Anniversary film goes online

The RUG-400 anniversary film ‘For Infinity – The Movie’ was published on the University’s YouTube channel. The musical comedy was produced to mark the 400th anniversary of the University of Groningen.

Middle-English video goes viral

Three students of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies made a video about the poem ‘Speke Parrot’ by John Skelton. Professor Sebastian Sobecki recited the poem in Middle-English. The video became an instant YouTube hit and was discussed on the BBC.

O C T O B E R10O C T O B E R10 Opening of Green Office Groningen

On Sustainability Day, Jan de Jeu, Vice-President of the Board of the University, opened the Green Office Groningen. The aim of the Green Office is to link sustainable research, sustainable education and green initiatives.

O C T O B E R

‘Cuddle hormone’ oxytocin turns aggressive rat into social cage companionPhD ceremony of Federica Calcagnoli, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

13

O C T O B E R

‘Like attracts like’ less common in online datingPhD ceremony of Gina Potârca, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

22


D E C E M B E R

Monica Arac de Nyeko declared Alumnus of the Year 2014

The Ugandan writer and UNICEF employee, Monica Arac de Nyeko, won the title University of Groningen Alumnus of the Year 2014. During the December dinner in the Academy building, she was presented with a sculpture, specially designed by the Groningen artist Jan Steen.

15 D E C E M B E R

Opening of Korea Corner in University Library

The Korea Corner, an initiative by the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (CEASG), was opened. It provides easy access to study material, dedicated work-spaces and a micro-exhibit to those interested in Korean Studies.

18

October / November 2014 December 2014

N O V E M B E R

Involvement in Chinese environmental legislation can lead to a better ecosystemPhD ceremony of Huanlin Lang, Faculty of Law

13

D E C E M B E R

Publication of book commemorating 400th anniversary of the University of Groningen

From 1 September 2014 to 1 September 2015, the University of Groningen organised various events in celebration of its 400th anniver-sary, under the slogan ‘For Infinity’. A commemorative book recorded all the special moments and events that took place, capturing them for posterity.

2

N O V E M B E R20 NN27 Publications in Science and Nature

Publications by scientists form Groningen appeared in leading scientific journals in the same week. A group of physicists headed by Beatriz Noheda, Professor of Functional Nanomaterials, discovered a new manganese compound. The discovery was published in Nature. A week later, two articles about the genome sequencing of malaria mosquitoes were published in Science. Michael C. Fontaine was co-author of both articles.

Conference on the Star of Bethlehem

International experts attended a two-day conference on the Star of Bethlehem from the biblical story. Calculations using modern computer programmes led to a new theory on the star’s authenticity.

23

onffffnfererenc

33324

O C T O B E R O C T O B E R

University of Groningen and UMCG cornerstones of the North-Netherlands economy

Research by Biggar Economics showed that the University of Groningen and the UMCG are jointly responsible for 12,500 full-time jobs and an annual regional turnover of € 1.4 billion. The national impact was even greater: more than 60,000 jobs and a turnover of € 5.4 billion.

30

N O V E M B E R

Installation of new Rosalind Franklin Fellows

The University of Groningen installed seventeen Rosalind Franklin Fellows (RFF). The University set up the RFF programme to increase the number of talented female researchers with a permanent contract.

10

Monica Arac de Nyeko


F E B R U A R Y

Grants worth millions for top researchers from Groningen

Five University of Groningen employees received Vici grant, each worth € 1.5 million to spend on research and setting up a research group over the next five years. Vici grants are awarded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) to excellent, experienced researchers with a high international profile.

20

Marketing through social media plays major role in brand recognition

PhD ceremony of Lisette de Vries, Faculty of Economics and Business

J A N U A R Y5 Lecturer of the Year

Anton Scheurink, Professor of Neuro-Endocrinology, won the election for the University of Groningen Lecturer of the Year 2014. He was presented with a work of art, an e-reader and prize money of € 7,500. He also won the opportunity to develop a course unit for the Honours College.

J A N U A R Y29

January 2015 January/ February 2015

Humanist Giannozzo Manetti translates Bible before Erasmus

PhD ceremony of Annet den Haan, Faculty of Philosophy

J A N U A R Y15

Gas reserves can be used four times more efficiently

PhD ceremony of Ferry van Kann, Faculty of Spatial Sciences

F E B R U A R Y12 Earthquake resistance check

The University of Groningen is going to check all its buildings to see they need alterations to improve safety. The checks will be in line with the Netherlands Code of Practice issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which is a guideline to check the earthquake resistance of buildings.

F E B R U A R Y11

University Campus Fryslân

The return of university education to the province of Friesland was announced. Campus Fryslân (‘Campus Frisia’) in Leeuwarden will become the University of Groningen’s eleventh faculty. Prof. Jouke de Vries will be Dean of the new faculty.

J A N U A R Y24

12 13Annual Review 2014–2015 Annual Review 2014–2015

March 2015 April / May 2014

European grants for biochemical research

Two researchers received an ERC Advanced Grant of € 2.5 million. Professor of Biochemistry Bert Poolman plans to build a synthetic cell in order to study a living cell. Professor of Molecular Dynamics Siewert-Jan Marrink is developing simulation techniques for studying cell membranes. Both research projects will run for five years.

A P R I L22 GELIFES

GELIFES (Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences) research institute was officially opened. The institute brings together ecological, evolutionary and neuroscientific research groups from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

A P R I L22

M A Y

Teaching project in Mozambique

A consortium led by the University of Groningen and the Energy Academy Europe went to Mozambique to reinforce the knowledge infrastructure regarding energy. The € 4 million project is being funded by Nuffic, the Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education.

11 M A Y

Seven Vidi grants for top Groningen researchers

Seven members of University of Groningen and UMCG staff were awarded Vidi grants of up to € 0.8 million to set up a research line and establish a research group. Vidi grants are intended for outstanding researchers who have been conducting successful research for some years after gaining a PhD.

18

Polish military in Western Europe during the Second World War

PhD ceremony of Florian Huiskamp, Faculty of Arts

A P R I L13

M A Y

Lower energy consumption during wheelchair propulsion

PhD ceremony of Riemer Vegter, Faculty of Medical Sciences

6

M A R C H

Branch campus in ChinaThe University of Groningen will be the first Dutch university to establish a branch campus in China. The campus will be in Yantai, as a joint venture with the China Agricultural University in Beijing. President of the Board of the University, Sibrand Poppema, signed a cooperation agreement in Shanghai, in the presence of the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.

25


June 2015 June / July 2015

Cisca Wijmenga wins Spinoza prize

Cisca Wijmenga, Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Groningen/UMCG, was among the Spinoza prize-winners in 2015. She was awarded this prestigious Dutch research prize for her work on unravelling the genetic background to gluten intolerance (coeliac disease).

J U N E14 J U N E

Website Protestant cultural treasures

Religious studies expert Justin Kroesen and programme maker Shanti van Dam launched a website on cultural treasures in Protestant church interiors. They were both given a KIEM grant by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) for their work: www.protestantse-cultuurschatten.

25

University of Groningen sponsors women’s volleyball team

The Stichting Ubbo Emmius Fonds (UEF) of the University of Groningen became shirt sponsor for G.S.V.V. Donitas Dames 1. The Groningen student volleyball team plays in the first division under the name ‘Ubbo Emmius Fonds – Donitas’.

J U N E22 Summer ceremony concludes academic year

GUF-100 prizes were awarded to nine outstanding students. Student of Economics and Business Economics Thijmen Calis won the Aart Bosman Student Excellence Award 2015. The winners were announced at the summer ceremony, organized to mark the end of the academic year.

J U L Y 3


August 2015 August 2015

A U G U S T

North Pole expedition Biologist Maarten Loonen from the Arctic Centre initiated a large-scale Dutch polar expedition with funding from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). Fifty-five researchers took part in this Netherlands Scientific Expedition Edgeøya Spitsbergen (SEES.NL). They included NOS weatherman Peter Kuipers Munneke, a University of Groningen alumnus. A number of non-scientists joined the expedition, including actor-poet Ramsey Nasr and member of the Dutch House of Representatives, Stientje van Veldhoven.

The group set sail for Edgeøya from Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen on the ship De Ortelius. As there is daylight for 24 hours per day, the researchers had plenty of opportunity to go on land to explore the territory and collect data. Teams on board processed the information they gathered. The island Edgeøya is on the cold south-east side of the Spitsbergen archipelago. A Dutch station based there from 1968 until 1988 had already collected lots of valuable ecological data. The new research data will be compared with the ‘old’ data, to get an idea of the impact of climate change.

19 31 First-year students start introduction week

This year was the 47th edition of the KEI Week, the general introduction week for all first-year students. New students get to know the city, student life and the University facilities. Attended by some 5,300 first-year students, this is Europe’s largest introduction week.

A U G U S T10

University of Groningen climbs up the prestigious Shanghai ranking

The University of Groningen once again rose in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (also known as the Shanghai ranking), this time to 75th place. The University occupies a similar position in other global rankings for universities.

A U G U S T15Academic Ranking of World Universities 75

QS World University Rankings 100

THE World University Rankings 74

U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking 93

Nationonal Taiwan University Ranking 71

Global Employability University Ranking 114

University Ranking by Academic Performance 63

Webometrics 107

The Scientist Best Places to Work 24

UI GreenMetric World University Ranking 12

UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN’S POSITION IN INTERNATIONAL RANKING LISTS 2015

Barentsburg

S P I T S B E R G E N

Longyearbyen

Edgeøya


August 2015 August 2015

A U G U S T U S

North Pole expedition

19 AA31

Annual Review 2014–2015 Annual Review 2014–201520

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen is an international research university, founded in 1614. It offers a stimulating academic environment to students and researchers with a passion for knowledge and a drive to perform. The University is based in the North of the Netherlands, in Groningen. This City of Talent, with its picturesque old centre, is located in beautiful countryside. The character of the University is determined by the city and its environment, and vice versa. Groningen (200,000 inhabitants) is a very young city thanks to the presence of more than 30,000 students at the University and a similar number at other education institutes. The result is a stimulating intellectual and academic climate. The many international researchers and students contribute to a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Research The University of Groningen is a global top 100 university, with world-renowned and outstanding research groups, such as the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. It is proud to be an innovative and reliable partner in answering the major questions of the 21st century. The themes it focuses on include sustainability, energy and water, medicine, food, carbohydrates, sensor technology, nanotechnology, new materials, social efficacy, law and administration, and cultural heritage. It cooperates with partner universities worldwide, including ones in developing countries. Research within the University of Groningen makes a special effort regarding three major social themes: Healthy Ageing, Energy and Sustainable Society.

Beyond GroningenThe newly established Campus Fryslân (‘Campus Frisia’) in the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden is catering to social and economic needs in the region. The faculty-in-the-making is boosting education at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree level in the North of the Netherlands. On a global scale, the University of Groningen will be the first Dutch university to open an international joint university in Yantai, China, in collaboration with China Agricultural University, a top 40 university in China.

Colophon

Communication OfficeUniversity of GroningenP.O. Box 729700 AB GroningenThe [email protected] 50 363 5445www.rug.nl

DesignIn Ontwerp, Assen

PhotographyCharlene AsareBen BekooySacha de BoerRoel BoomstraJeroen van KootenStijntje de OldeNWO/Sascha SchalkwijkElmer SpaargarenMarcel SpanjerGerhard Taatgen

May 2016

www.rug.nl/annualreview

We did our best to identify all

holders of copyright with regard

to the material in this publication.

Those who believe that their photos

are used without permission, are

requested to contact us.

Founded in

1614

Students

30.000

Staff

6.500

Faculties

10

Alumni

120.000

Annual turnover

€ 642.300.000

Annual Review 2014–2015

www.rug.nl/annualreview

academic ranking of world universities annual reviewrev … · yantai branch campus in china....

Documents