Strategy
Mission and Vision
At Wageningen University & Research we are full of life. WUR is a global leader in the areas of the life sciences, agri-food, nature and sustainability, with the mission ‘to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’. Our strength lies within the collaboration of the university, Wageningen University, with the research institute, Wageningen Research.
WUR’s vision is to strike a delicate balance between the well-being of our planet with its diverse species and the needs of humanity for healthy food and environment. We tackle this global challenge by asking the right questions, fuelling curiosity, educating students and professionals, forging bold partnerships and pushing the boundaries of curiosity-driven and applied science.
“To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”
Strategy
We focus on six key themes, which represent our primary areas of focus. The themes can be found in our research, education and impact. Besides, the organisation works on realising these ambitions through 7 commitments. How we do this is described in our Strategic Plan 2025-2028: Shape responsible change. This strategy provides direction and identifies the key focus areas for the coming years. This plan came about through close cooperation with people and oganisations within and outside Wageningen University & Research.
Discover our themes
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Are you full of life?
Do you want to know how you can contribute to tackling global challenges? Come study or work at WUR, or become a partner in our research.
Values and prerequisites
Values and prerequisites lay the foundation for what our organisation cares about and provide the basis to work on our mission and vision. They shape our culture, guide our strategy and provide a clear sense of purpose for employees, students and partners. Our values sustainability, responsibility, trust, courage, curiosity and collaboration are essential for our identity, behaviour and decision-making. The prerequisites we have identified for the organisation are: integrity, independence, transparency, social safety and diversity & inclusion.
Learn more about our values and prerequisites and how we incorporate them in our organisation below.
