The University of Twente (UT) has published its 2024 Annual Report, which reflects a year marked by significant external challenges, strategic decisions, and continued investment in education and research. Amid geopolitical tensions, government budget cuts, and demographic shifts, UT took necessary steps to strengthen its financial position. Measures included a faculty reorganisation and a sharper focus on its mission and vision to support a future-proof organisation.
Mission and impact
UT reaffirmed its identity as the entrepreneurial university of technology with the motto “High Tech, Human Touch.” Its renewed mission highlights the university’s commitment to addressing complex societal challenges, guided by the impact domains: Climate, Health, Safety & Security, and Chip Technology.
Education and student well-being
The university continued to offer a diverse, interdisciplinary education portfolio and joined national initiatives such as Slimmer Collegejaar and Wisselstroom to reduce workload. Collaborations with VU, Saxion, ROC van Twente, and regional industry supported demand for technical talent, particularly in the chip sector.
Student well-being remained a top priority, with initiatives focused on prevention, resilience, and fostering a sense of community.
Research and innovation
Research remained focused on societal impact. Highlights included:
- The BRIDGE project with Universität Münster to improve regional healthcare collaboration.
- A new partnership between the Climate Centre and NL Space Campus.
- First steps toward establishing New Origin, a chip foundry, and TNO’s Joint Innovation Center for SiN applications.
UT researchers earned prestigious grants and filed 19 patent applications. The spin-off FlowBeams, which focuses on needle-free injection technology, has received significant EU support.
Organisation and sustainability
With rising costs, UT implemented short- and long-term financial measures. Staff well-being was supported through leadership training and a follow-up to the 2023 labour inspection.
Sustainability efforts included green renovations, improved digital resilience, and the completion of a GDPR-compliant cleanup of educational systems—the first in the Netherlands.
Financial overview
Total expenditures in 2024 were €513.8 million, with income of €510 million, resulting in a modest deficit. Despite this, UT continued to invest in the quality of education, student support, and research infrastructure. Plans for budget reform and income diversification are underway.
The Annual Report, available in Dutch with an English executive summary, can be found on our website.
