Education Research Current About VU Amsterdam NL
Login as
Prospective student Student Employee
Bachelor Master VU for Professionals
Exchange programme VU Amsterdam Summer School Honours programme VU-NT2 Semester in Amsterdam
PhD at VU Amsterdam Research highlights Prizes and distinctions
Research institutes Our scientists Research Impact Support Portal Creating impact
News Events calendar Biodiversity at VU Amsterdam
Israël and Palestinian regions Culture on campus
Practical matters Mission and core values Entrepreneurship on VU Campus
Organisation Partnerships Alumni University Library Working at VU Amsterdam
Sorry! De informatie die je zoekt, is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels.
This programme is saved in My Study Choice.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
Something went wrong with processing the request.

Biodiversity at VU Amsterdam

Life in our shared world

All life on earth – micro-organisms, plants and animals – is under threat. How can we address this crisis of nature and protect our biodiversity? How can we restore the broken relationship between people and nature? How do we provide a healthy living environment while securing sustainable food production? And what ambitious plans for nature and climate are needed to achieve this?

At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we care for the diversity of people, animals and nature. Our campus squarehas been transformed and is now greener than ever. On the roof of the Main Building you’ll even find the first university “worm hotel,” where worms turn coffee grounds into compost. That’s how we’re building a sustainable campus, together.

Biodiversity is also central to our research and education. Our scientists are exploring alternatives to plastic – a project that was nominated for the Klokhuis Science Prize 2025. More than 1,500 species were identified in Amsterdam during the City Nature Challenge – an initiative that VU Amsterdam helped to drive. Our researchers also provide advice on citizen science in Amsterdamse Bos and on climate-friendly agriculture. In the (Dutch) Biology bachelor’s programme, our students learn all about ecology, evolution and sustainable ecosystems. And in the master’s programme on Environment and Resource Management, students tackle today’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Through all these initiatives, VU Amsterdam’s community demonstrates its engagement at city, national and international levels, and its love for our planet.

Together, we’re working towards a sustainable society. Locally and further afield, as global citizens. For the sake of a better world, for current and future generations.

Science for conservation

VU experts about citizen science, biodiversity and health.

What’s behind manure fraud in the Netherlands?

What’s behind manure fraud in the Netherlands?

Farmers who tamper with manure records, inspectors with limited capacity, and a government that keeps introducing new rules. Criminologist Sammie Verbeek at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is investigating how manure fraud became such a distinctly Dutch phenomenon.

Read the interview

Verhalen

Quick links

Homepage Culture on campus VU Sports Centre Dashboard

Study

Academic calendar Study guide Timetable Canvas

Featured

VUfonds VU Magazine Ad Valvas Digital accessibility

About VU

Contact us Working at VU Amsterdam Faculties Divisions
Privacy Disclaimer Safety Web Colophon Cookie Settings Web Archive

Copyright © 2025 - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam