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On Purple Friday, which falls on the second Friday of December, schools pay attention to sexual and gender diversity and the ability to be yourself. And that is important because LGBTQIA+ people have higher chances of experiencing psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, than others. Symptoms like these can already arise at a young age. ’In times of a perceived rise in resistance, schools must show that they stand behind their LGBTQIA+ pupils and, where possible, offer them even more support,’ says Diana van Bergen, associate professor of Suicide and Suicide Prevention among Youth at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen.

At the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate, researchers are working on innovative solutions to the major sustainability issues of our time, from technological innovation to circular systems and climate adaptation. Much of this research focuses on developing new methods, models and applications that contribute to a more sustainable world. In addition to the technological and policy aspects of sustainability, there is another, equally important question: how do we ensure that people are truly involved in this transition? Who decides on the design of our future energy supply? How are citizens involved? And what is needed to make that involvement truly meaningful?

The Eric Bleumink Fellowship (EBF) celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its launch in 2000, the fellowship has offered master’s scholarships to talented students from countries with limited resources, enabling them to study at the University of Groningen (UG). Over the past quarter of a century, more than one hundred students from thirty countries have completed a master’s degree in Groningen with support from an EBF scholarship.

On 9 December 2025, it will have been exactly 400 years since Ubbo Emmius, the founder of the University of Groningen, passed away. In his tracks, various people who worked and studied there through the centuries made the UG a brighter place. Some of them have been exceptionally important, due to their remarkable achievements, ideas, and activities. This series sheds a light on some of these ‘Colourful Characters’.

Today, the University of Groningen (UG) and ASML signed an important framework agreement for more intensive research collaboration. This step builds on existing contacts and opens the door to new projects in areas such as advanced materials, flow processes, and advanced control technology, which are important for the development of future technologies for the manufacture of computer chips.

The UB will be open as much as possible during the holiday period around Christmas and New Year. Read more about the opening hours uin this period (December 2025 - January 2026)

Last year, the Student Well-being Action Plan was approved by the Board of the University and the University Council. Through this plan, the University aims to enhance student wellbeing in the coming years. As part of this Action Plan, the Student well-being portal was launched last week with a completely new look!

Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences student Menna Zaharan of the University of Groningen has been awarded the 2025 Unilever Research Prize for her Master’s thesis.

According to Leah Henderson, it is crucial that we uphold the principle that scientific research is based on evidence. She is a professor by special appointment in Societal Trust, and affiliated with the Rudolf Agricola School of Sustainable Development. Henderson studies how we communicate about science. ‘Nowadays, you often hear people say: ‘’Science is just another opinion.’’ I completely disagree with that.’