Univers

Last updated on 21 July 2025

Univers is the network of neurodivergent VU employees (such as those with ADHD, autism or epilepsy) who seek support, have questions, or want to connect.

Neurodivergence can affect your work, and how you connect and interact with your colleagues. This is why Univers has been set up as a support, meeting point and network. All VU employees can participate. We organise informal meetings a few times a year. During these meetings, we can get to know each other better, we can laugh with each other, and exchange tips and advice.

Univers is not just there for fun: if you are struggling with something, you can come to us for a listening ear. And we try to help where we can. We also want to help VU Amsterdam become an (even) better employer for employees with neurodivergence.

We founded Univers in late 2024. Univers's board consists of employees who are themselves neurodivergent in various ways. Want to stay informed? Feel free to email us at univers@vu.nl

Come to the Univers get-together

Thursday, 4 September, 16:00, Global Room (HG-1A36)

Everyone is welcome!

Are you neurodivergent and a VU employee? You are not alone! Consider that at least 20 per cent of people fall under the heading of 'neurodivergence' in one way or another. That's a percentage to consider, don't you think? Meet colleagues from our community in a casual atmosphere. VU colleagues who care about inclusivity are also welcome! Nothing has to and nothing is required. And don't worry about 'desired drinks behaviour.' We expect nothing from you but to be yourself. Everyone is welcome!

Full schedules, piles of grading, group assignments and constantly switching between students, colleagues and deadlines. Everyday reality for a teacher. But what if your brain works differently? Marina Friedrich and Smiddy Nieuwenhuis talk openly about neurodiversity and being visible in their work.

Read their personal story