Can Europe resist the digital oligarchy? “Europe has been very naïve,” says digital democracy researcher Valentina Golunova. By ignoring Big Tech’s societal impact, we’ve allowed Silicon Valley to gain disproportionate global power—arguably above democracy itself. 🏛️⚖️ Read more 👉 edu.nl/8f9hp

From a smart idea in Maastricht to a global standard: the Vitrobot just hit its 1,500th unit. Developed at Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus, it helps scientists study diseases like Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 by freezing samples with extreme precision. 🔗 edu.nl/paxvt #Innovation #Brightlands

Jongeren in het mbo kiezen hun studie vooral op basis van interesse en talent, niet op arbeidsmarktkansen. Om toekomstige tekorten te voorkomen, is een sterkere koppeling tussen onderwijs en arbeidsmarkt nodig. 📘 Lees het ROA-rapport: edu.nl/tmmd7 #Arbeidsmarkt #Onderwijs

Eleven Dutch research consortia are launching projects worth €197M to boost science, innovation and social prosperity. Maastricht University researchers play a key role in seven projects — leading two. 👏 Read more 👉 edu.nl/ukvp3 #Research #Innovation

🎓 UM turns 50! 🎉 Join the festive Dies Natalis on 23 January 2026 — celebrating five decades of community, curiosity and impact with the theme . Seats are limited, so register before 5 December via the link in your inbox. 👉 More info: edu.nl/tnrnn #UM50 #DiesNatalisUM

When you cut your skin, it heals itself — but what if bones and cartilage could do the same? 🦴 PhD candidate Tim ten Brink is developing 3D-printed implants that help the body regenerate damaged joints, offering new hope for osteoarthritis patients. Read more 👉 edu.nl/k6by8 @merln-um.bsky.social

Welcome to the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) 🎓 One of EU’s leading institutes on education and labour research — combining top-tier science with real-world policy impact. Also home to ambitious PhDs and researchers shaping the future of work. 🎥 Full video: roa.nl/home

From here… to a sustainable UM 🌍 The road to #Sustainability isn’t a sprint — it’s a shared journey of dedication and cooperation. UM’s Sustainability Roadmap 2030 sets out 3 key ambitions: 🌱 a thriving community 🌍 a circular campus ♻️ a climate-neutral university by 2035 More here 👉 edu.nl/ukjej

🔬The Dutch Research Council (NWO) announced today which researchers will receive a Vidi grant, allowing talented scientists to further develop their research. 👉 To read about the three fHML researchers awarded a grant today, visit: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/news/three-v... #research #health

The University Fund Limburg (UFL) was founded in 1965, with the aim of stimulating academic education in the Province of Limburg. 60 years later, the Fund looks back on a rich history—and forward with strong ambition. 👉 Read the whole article: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/news/univers...

🌍 Under ERASMUS+, UM sends and receives more students than any other Dutch university — over 1,800 a year. UM President Rianne Letschert calls her own exchange “an amazing experience” that opened her eyes to new perspectives. Read the full interview with Rianne: edu.nl/bcqbh

“Ukraine must not be a footnote during the Dutch elections,” argues Yf Reykers of Maastricht University. While Dutch voters focus on housing or healthcare, Reykers warns that ignoring Ukraine would be a mistake — our safety depends on a strong eastern flank. Read his opinion 👉 edu.nl/mywpg

Safeguarding the ballot 🗳️🇪🇺 As disinformation and covert financing shape elections across Europe, what can Brussels do to defend democracy? “The Russians act out of the KGB rulebook… What truly matters is a country’s resilience from within,” says Gergana Noutcheva (UM). Read more 👉 edu.nl/t7qyy

Maastricht wins bid for a top European medical conference 🎉 A major win for the city, the university & the region — highlighting its growing role in medical research and global collaboration. Congratulations to all! 👏 👉 Read more: edu.nl/twm4e

Cultured meat 🍔, fungi-based chocolate 🍫, or insect cereal 🐜 — food innovation is booming. But before they hit our plates, they must pass the EU’s strict Novel Food Regulation. Why it’s both a challenge and an opportunity for companies 👉 edu.nl/9tmxb

Sweeteners can help keep the kilos off after dieting 🧃 An international study (incl. UM) found that people who replace sugar with sweeteners maintain weight loss better — and even see positive changes in gut bacteria. Published in Nature Metabolism. Read more 👉 edu.nl/8mx3b #Sweeteners #Research

Terugblik: Weekend van de Wetenschap 2025 🧠👧 Op 4 oktober openden de faculteiten van UM en partners in Maastricht & Venlo hun deuren voor iedereen die wetenschap écht wilde ervaren — van mini-colleges tot AI-workshops en de ET Pathfinder. Dank aan alle bezoekers & wetenschappers! 💙 🔬 edu.nl/d7y9m

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing brain disease in NL — over 70,000 people are affected, with 1,500 new diagnoses each year. Yet treatment options remain scarce. That’s why Meagan Hannemann is exploring new therapies to improve patients’ quality of life. 💡 Read more 👉 edu.nl/cq7hx

🇳🇱🏡 With elections looming, housing dominates Dutch politics: can young voters still find an affordable home? Other EU countries face the same—but Belgium shows it doesn’t have to go this way. Prof. Piet Eichholtz urges a “European lens”. Read more 👉 edu.nl/8vtxe

Maastricht University enrolment stays stable at ~23,000 students. A 3% rise in new intake offsets last year’s dip. Nearly 60% now come from the Netherlands or Euregio. With labour shortages, steady student numbers are key for Limburg’s future. 🔗 edu.nl/vedka

“She’s painting a picture of European unity.” 🇪🇺 Von der Leyen’s State of the Union touched on defence, the Green Deal, housing, workers’ rights & poverty—drawing mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Full analysis 👉 edu.nl/4vkek #EU #StudioEuropaMaastricht

€2.3M EU grant for ethical AI in healthcare! 👏 Prof. Dr. Dominik Mahr leads JustHealth, co-creating a decolonized ethics framework, with Prof. Dr. Gaby Odekerken-Schröder strengthening SBE’s impact. The grant will also fund two PhD positions at UM. More: edu.nl/nfbju #AI #HealthCare

Hospitals produce 8% of Europe’s plastic waste—much of it clean and reusable. CIRHECA, a new €3M EU-backed project led by Maastricht University, will recycle 4,200 tonnes annually into high-quality medical plastics. ♻️ Read more 👉 edu.nl/fbpdm #CircularEconomy #HealthcareInnovation #Sustainability

Dr Anjusha Mathew’s team is combining two powerful tools—mass spectrometry and cryo-electron microscopy—to reveal how proteins work. Her research is important, because it could unlock clues to diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Learn more 🔬 edu.nl/6weww

Big win at UM 🎉 Dr. Dongning Ren (FPN) has been awarded a prestigious ERC grant for The Ostracism Causal Project. Her research moves ostracism studies beyond the lab, showing how being ignored impacts health, wellbeing & behaviour. 🔗 Read more: edu.nl/hjxxm @erc.europa.eu

Psychedelics are reshaping mental health research. 🌱🧠 Natasha Mason (FPN, Maastricht University) studies how they boost neuroplasticity — and is nominated for New Scientist Wetenschapstalent 2025. Interview 🔗 edu.nl/vc868 Vote here 👉 edu.nl/r4tnr #Psychedelics #Neuroscience #MentalHealth

👩‍🎓✨ Meet the five inspiring nominees for the UM Student Award 2025 — and discover the winner! 🎉 Each year, this award celebrates students who make a real impact beyond their studies. 🎥 Watch the video here 👇 #OAY25 #OAJ25

🎓 Congrats to Dr. Roman Briker, winner of the Hustinx Science Award 🎖️ Each year the award honours young research talent, supporting their research with €15,000. Dr. Biker's work explores trust & collaboration between humans and AI—a field shaping the future of work. Watch the video 👇 #OAY25

🎓 UM kicks off the academic year 2025/’26! President Rianne Letschert welcomes keynote speaker Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. 🎥 Watch the intro video 👇 OAY live-stream: edu.nl/efjbp #OAY25 #OAJ25

Today UM kicks off the academic year 25/26, with the theme ‘UM innovates – today’s education, tomorrow’s skills’. 🏛️ Keynote speaker Roxana Mînzatu (EU) 🎓 Speakers Mark Levels (ROA) and Ellen Bastiaens (EDLAB) 🏅 Award ceremonies 💃🏻 Live performances Livestream (15:30): edu.nl/efjbp #OAY25 #OAJ25

Roxana Mînzatu is keynote speaker at the Opening of the Academic Year 25/26 🎓 As EU Commissioner for Social Rights, Skills & Jobs, she shapes EU’s vision for inclusive growth & lifelong learning—aligning with our OAY theme: UM innovates – today’s education, tomorrow’s skills. 📺 edu.nl/efjbp #OAY25

In the Netherlands, a woman is killed every 8 days—usually by a (ex-)partner. Countless more face harassment + violence daily. Change is urgent, but possible. At UM, 2 yrs of our Sexual Safety Programme show growth, action + engagement. The road is long, but necessary. edu.nl/x3g7d #SexualSafety

📸 Recap in pictures: INKOM 2025 🎉🎒 An unforgettable week of parties, sports, culture & making new connections. Thanks to all volunteers, UM staff & thousands of students who made it so special. Here’s to a great start in Maastricht! Full recap 👉 edu.nl/37tfx #INKOM2025 #MaastrichtUniversity

UM just hosted the first MaGIC Summer School ✨ 25 physics teachers from across Europe explored gravitational waves & the Einstein Telescope—bringing Big Science into the classroom. Dr. Gideon Koekoek: “Gravitational waves will unveil the most exciting mysteries of the universe.” 🌌 🔗 edu.nl/8pvmf

Making a lasting impact? 🌱 By bequeathing to science through the University Fund Limburg (UFL), you can support research into health, sustainability and equality at UM. On 23 Oct, UFL is hosting an info session on this topic. Register here: edu.nl/hu4e3

🎉 EDLAB turns 10! We’re celebrating with EDLAB X: an exhibition + activities from 15 Sept–3 Oct at UM. Explore 10 years of education innovation, connect, and get inspired. 📅 Opening 15 Sept, 16:30 👉 Sign up: www.aanmelder.nl/167652/home #MaastrichtUniversity #EDLABX #EducationInnovation

European leaders at the White House: turning point or fleeting resolve? 🇪🇺🇺🇸 UM's Prof. Giselle Bosse warns Europe must do more to secure Ukraine’s place at the table—and safeguard its own credibility. Read her expert take on the Studio Europa website 👉 edu.nl/vdb97 #UkraineWar #EuropeanProject

Students help with cold case research 🔍 @lawinmaastricht.bsky.social's ICCAP gives law students hands-on experience solving real unsolved cases. For Isis van Cruchten, it was the perfect match for her passion for cold cases. Full story 👉 edu.nl/9uhwd #ColdCases #Criminology #Forensics

According to a new report of the Lancet Psychiatry Commission, lifestyle interventions like exercise, healthy diet, good sleep & smoking cessation must be core mental health care — not an afterthought. These interventions could save lives & can close a 15-year life-expectancy gap. 👉 edu.nl/bv6w9

🌱 How do plants make their secret weapons? Dutch scientists built MEANtools—software that finds how plants make survival chemicals, no lab work needed. Tested on tomatoes at the Brightlands Future Farming Institute, it revealed known & new pathways: edu.nl/bc3xf #Brightlands #FutureofFarming

📣 1/9: Opening Academic Year 2025/26 Kicking off with inspiring voices on Europe, education & the future of work, we welcome: 🎙️ Roxana Mînzatu - European Commissioner (keynote speaker) 🎙️ Ellen Bastiaens - Director EDLAB 🎙️ Mark Levels - Programme Director ROA More info 👉 edu.nl/efjbp #OAY25 #OAJ25

🩺 How can we improve GP care and tackle staff shortages? Prof. Dr. Loes van Bokhoven combines her work as a GP in Elsloo with research and teaching, aiming to ‘captivate and bind’ GPs to the profession and region. Innovation is vital to keep care accessible and future-proof. Read more 👉 edu.nl/4wapf

Bridging law education and practice: A fresh approach 📚 How do we prepare law students for a profession that’s always evolving? At UM & Hogeschool Zuyd, Gwen Noteborn, Claudia Hocks & Janneke Hendrix revamped the Personal & Family Law course—adding real-world skills and empathy. More: edu.nl/p6h9q

AI's moral architects: neither demi-gods nor code monkeys Who's really responsible when AI goes wrong—and when it doesn't? Tricia Griffin’s PhD busts the myth of the omnipotent tech bro and shines a light on the real ethical dilemmas faced by developers. Read more: edu.nl/xpbh8 #AI #Ethics

🎓 Maastricht University ontvangt een WECOM-beurs voor het project ‘AI voor ouders’ van dr. ir. Marieke Boussé. Samen met ouders, scholieren en docenten maakt UM door middel van co-creatie AI begrijpelijk en bespreekbaar. 👉 Meer info: edu.nl/rv7c3 #WECOM #AI #WetenschapsCommunicatie

🎓 Where law meets pop culture: a space for creative, critical inquiry. At Maastricht University, the Law & Popular Culture Research Network explores the intersections of legal thought with literature, film, music & more. How did this all come together? Meet the team & their vision: edu.nl/cnaxu

The Geul is more than a scenic stream—it’s a living archive of water, industry and resilience. With project leaders Claartje Rasterhoff & Christian Ernsten, Rivier Atelier asks: can beauty and pollution help us rethink our environmental heritage? 🔗 edu.nl/p66uq #NaturePreservation #CulturalHeritage

Assessment is beautiful 📚 Prof. dr. Desirée Joosten-ten Brinke (SHE, Maastricht University) believes assessment isn't just about judgement — it’s about growth. ✨ “The balance between learning and assessment is crucial.” Discover how positive assessment can transform education: edu.nl/pgeet

🎓 Ten young UM researchers awarded Veni grants by NWO—up to €320K each! Their projects span topics like 3D-printed meat, transnational siblinghood & smarter heart therapies. A proud moment for the Maastricht University community. 👏 More on their work here 👉 edu.nl/pntyb #NWO #VeniGrants #Research

At 24, nearly blind, and already shaking up Dutch politics, Sjoerd Maillé proves that action speaks louder than words. From the courtroom to the council chamber, he's building a world where no one’s held back by difference. Read his story 👉 edu.nl/h7rab #EqualOpportunity #Politics #UMagazine