We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enhances the educational and research experiences of all members, and we are committed to promoting equity and social justice in our department and beyond. Through our initiatives, events, and resources, we aim to cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity that benefits everyone in our community.
Our main initiatives:
- We regularly organize DEI workshops for our department staff. In the past years, we organized workshops on Diversity & Inclusion, Social Safety & Scientific Excellence, and Brave Spaces together with professional trainers such as Esther Mollema, Sophie Looijestein, and Jasmijn Mioch.
- We organize the IoP/DPA Paid Summer Internship. Diversity is important for the success of physics research. The Institute of Physics (UvA) and Department of Physics and Astronomy (VU) stimulate diversity by offering ~12 bachelor and master students of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to explore their interest in physics, through paid one-month Summer internships. (ongoing).
- We collect and maintain sex disaggregated data on our department
- Every two years, we organize a wellbeing survey of our PhD candidates.
- Every year we circulate a Ramadan guide Ramadan 2026 - Guide for Colleagues and Students designed to help colleagues and students within the Physics and Astronomy Department at VU Amsterdam to understand and support those observing Ramadan. This document provides an overview of Ramadan, its significance, and practical ways to support Muslim colleagues and students during this holy month.
You can reach out to any of DEI members individually through their emails below. You can also use the collective email address PRJ-BETA-DEIgroup@groups.vu.nl
Additional links finding DEI related resources at VU Amsterdam:
Social Safety
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, it is important to us that students and staff feel safe. Have you experienced inappropriate conduct or felt unsafe on campus, off campus or online? Let us know.
Ombudsman Student and Staff
The ombudsman helps students and staff with problems or complaints. It has an independent position, is impartial and handles complaints with strict confidentiality: there is a duty of confidentiality. The ombudsman strives to resolve problems in an informal manner.
Diversity at VU Amsterdam
VU Amsterdam strives for 'inclusive excellence' whereby students, teachers, lecturers and employees within the university use mutual differences to stimulate more creativity and talent development.
Confidential Counsellors Staff and PhD's
The confidential counsellors can be there for you, offer a listening ear and provide support if you experience undesirable behaviour. They stand beside you and can help you find an (informal) solution. The confidential counsellors treat what you tell them confidentially: they do nothing without your permission and knowledge.
Parental Leave
To enable parents to look after their children under the age of eight, the Work and Care Act offers the option of parental leave. The number of hours of parental leave you can take is 26 times your agreed weekly working hours.
Studying with a disability
Do you have a functional disability and do you need facilities or support during your studies?
International Office
VU Amsterdam’s International Office is part of Student & Educational Affairs and assists in students’ and employees’ international mobility. The International Office consists of three departments, with several sub-departments.
3D
3D is the debate, dialogue and diversity stage and the social heart of VU
WO&MEN@VU
WO&MEN@VU is a network of and for VU employees who want to improve gender equality and consists of people of all gender identities.