UG 2020 Annual Report now available online

The University of Groningen’s Annual Report for 2020 has now been published online. It reveals that although the pandemic has had a major impact, almost all of the University’s core processes were able to continue. Additionally, student numbers did not suffer; in fact, in the 2020-2021 academic year, the number of students grew to a record 34,123 (compared to 31,840 in the previous year). The UG has also maintained a solid financial position. COVID-19 has had a less pronounced impact on the financial result for 2020 than initially estimated; on balance, the net annual impact is estimated to be positive (+€1.3 million).

Lockdown

Immediately after the introduction of the first ‘intelligent lockdown’ in March 2020, UG staff and students were generally able to continue working or studying online, either at home or elsewhere. Where necessary, researchers were able to continue working on their projects in the UG’s buildings, subject to strict precautionary measures. Examinations were administered digitally and PhD ceremonies, conferences and other meetings were held online. The pandemic also served as a catalyst for developments that were already underway. Digital teaching methods offer many advantages, such as the possibility of establishing links with colleagues or inviting prominent researchers located elsewhere to give lectures – either in real-time or via livestream. The University of Groningen also joined the ENLIGHT project, an alliance of nine like-minded European universities that are collaborating in this area.

New Strategic Plan

In 2020, the foundations were laid for the new Strategic Plan for 2021-2026. A key element of this is the development of the University of the North – a collaboration between educational institutions, businesses and other organizations in the Northern Netherlands and North-West Germany. The UG will play a leading role in this. Another key aspect of the Strategic Plan for 2021-2026 is the establishment of interdisciplinary Schools. In doing so, the UG wants to leverage the presence of various scientific fields to help solve major societal issues by establishing connections and working together.

Workload

The coronavirus pandemic has also affected staff workloads. Numerous measures were taken in 2020 and new ones are planned for 2021 (such as the UG Support Plan (‘Ruggesteun’ project)), involving a total amount of €12.6 million. The objective is to improve online teaching and to provide more support for lecturers in the transition to online teaching and blended learning. In the short term, more direct support will be provided to alleviate lecturers’ workloads.

Notable developments

The report also discusses the UG’s long-term accommodation plan, such as the construction of the Feringa Building. Highlights in the field of research included the presentation of the Spinoza Prize to philosopher Pauline Kleingeld and the Stevin Prize to environmental psychologist Linda Steg. These are the most significant academic distinctions in the Netherlands. Another notable event was the donation of €35 million by an anonymous alumnus to the Ubbo Emmius Fund. At the donor’s request, €30 million of this sum will be allocated as a grant to the UG’s CogniGron research centre, which is working on developing the computer of the future.

International rankings

The UG retained its position among the top universities in the most important international rankings, such as the influential ARWU Shanghai Ranking (69th in 2020) and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (80th in 2020). The UG currently ranks 128th on the QS ranking list.