Leiden astronomy professors Ewine van Dishoeck, winner of the Kavli prize 2018, and Tim de Zeeuw, former Director General of the European Southern Observatory, have set up a Named Fund to stimulate young talent in science, both at Leiden University and in the Netherlands Antilles. The couple recently put their signature on the Van Dishoeck-de Zeeuw Fund.

In a packed Grotius Hall, family and friends came together to pay tribute to young talent at Leiden University. The celebration was part of the annual Dies Natalis Festival for Alumni and gave dozens of visitors the chance to get to know a new generation of academics.

For almost 450 years Leiden has been challenging people to get the best out of themselves; to use their unique talents to create a better world. This applied to the great minds of the past and it also applies to the talented individuals of today and tomorrow.

On a sunny Saturday, 15 nominees came to the Kamerlingh Onnes building to hear who had won the Schild-de Groen Research Prizes and the Leiden University Thesis Prizes. The stunning Lorentz Hall filled with family, friends, donors and thesis supervisors.

An excellent thesis, the most impressive report or the best research question. LUF stimulates ambitious students and researchers to get the best out of themselves. Here is a selection of the prizes we make available each year in recognition of exceptional talent.

‘Support scientific talent with your legacy’. This is the slogan of the Leave a Legacy campaign that was recently launched by the 15 Dutch university funds. The funds hope to inform people about the different options for including university funds in their wills.

Would you like to contribute to the future of science, talent, and education at Leiden University? There are several ways to do so. Whether you choose a one-time donation, a recurring gift, or a corporate contribution – every donation makes a difference.

Whether you establish a named fund or make a donation, as a Golden Keyholder you make a lasting contribution to the future of education, research, and talent development at Leiden University.

This page offers an overview of current and recent campaigns, appeals, and special projects. Some are time-limited – such as an autumn fundraising campaign – while others are ongoing or thematic.

University lecturer in criminology and research fellow Dr Joni Reef can make a start on her research on family-focused work in criminal sentencing. She has been awarded a subsidy of €24,000 from the partnership between the LUF and the Gratama Foundation.