About our research
Our knowledge helps governments, businesses and civil society to tackle their challenges. We achieve synergy by combining education with fundamental and applied research.
WUR establishes the focus and direction for research in a 4-year Strategic Plan. For 2025 - 2028, WUR has set up its ambitions and 6 sustainable main themes. We work from an interdisciplinary, science-based approach to answer the major global challenges that are established in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our strategic plan is an invitation to do this together, at international, national and local level. Through close collaboration with partners, students, alumni and citizens, we arrive at scientifically founded and socially inclusive answers.
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Who conducts our research?
The research institutes at Wageningen University & Research conduct application-oriented and practical research. They work on behalf of the government, the business community and non-profit organisations. The fundamental research at Wageningen University & Research is carried out by the chair groups.
Chair Groups
The fundamental research at Wageningen University & Research is conducted by chair groups. Each chair group, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. All chair groups share a common research domain: healthy food and living environment. Wageningen University & Research is comprised of one faculty that is divided into five departments.
How WUR handles
Independent research
The independence of our scientific research is the fundamental principle – it is our greatest asset. This independence continuously serves as the guiding principle for contacts with partners, employees and suppliers. Together we translate scientific knowledge and insights into sustainable solutions that matter, for today and the generations of tomorrow. We call this: Finding Answers Together.
Independent research
The independence of our scientific research is the fundamental principle – it is our greatest asset. This independence continuously serves as the guiding principle for contacts with partners, employees and suppliers. Together we translate scientific knowledge and insights into sustainable solutions that matter, for today and the generations of tomorrow. We call this: Finding Answers Together.
Open Science
WUR embraces the principles of Open Science in its research and education. Open Science promotes a more transparent and collaborative way of conducting, publishing, and evaluating research. By opening up our research, we create greater scientific impact, bring more scientific knowledge to society, and work across institutions to address societal challenges.
Data Science and AI
At WUR, we put data and AI in motion for a sustainable future
Together with partners, we turn knowledge and technology into smart innovations that make a real impact – from agriculture to the living environment. We accelerate digital transformation and foster collaboration across sectors. The Wageningen Data Competence Center (WDCC) connects experts, projects and opportunities to unlock the full potential of data science and AI.
Generative AI
We encourage lecturers, researchers, PhD/EngD candidates, students (including professional learners) and support staff at WUR to use generative AI (GenAI) methods responsibly. This means using GenAI legally, ethically, and in transparent manner. GenAI methods should enhance the quality of our work, while protecting privacy, boosting creativity, and supporting learning. Information on responsible use of (generative) AI tools can be found by employees and students on the WUR support portal.
Animal testing
Animal testing is and will remain necessary to meet our obligations and social contribution. In all our research involving animals, respect for the animal and its wellbeing are leading. WUR only performs animal tests if there is a legal obligation to do so and/or if no alternative testing methods are available. In doing so, WUR makes continuous efforts to replace, reduce and refine animal testing (3Rs).
KennisOnline
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature funds important research at WUR.
Our Graduate Schools
Graduate Schools
EPS
The national Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS) organises and coordinates fundamental and strategic plant research of the collaborating universities and institutes, aiming at the development of new principles in plant molecular biology, plant physiology, plant growth for sustainable agriculture and horticulture, plant breeding and plant protection.
EPS
The national Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS) organises and coordinates fundamental and strategic plant research of the collaborating universities and institutes, aiming at the development of new principles in plant molecular biology, plant physiology, plant growth for sustainable agriculture and horticulture, plant breeding and plant protection.
PE&RC
The mission of Production Ecology and Resource Conservation (PE&RC) is “Understanding the functioning of natural and managed ecosystems to improve the quality of life”. This mission can be viewed from a local, regional and global perspective, considering bio-/geo-physical and socio-economic objectives and constraints.
VLAG
The mission of VLAG Graduate School (VLAG) is to develop the careers of young researchers and to promote research collaboration in Biobased, Biomolecular, Chemical, Food and Nutrition Sciences.
WASS
The mission of Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS) is to understand social processes with regard to today’s global challenges of disparities and poverty, of responsible production and consumption, of natural resource use and the environment, as well as of knowledge in society.
WIAS
The mission of Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences (WIAS) is to improve our understanding of animals and their various roles for mankind through fundamental and strategic research and training of early stage researchers (PhD and post-doc).
WIMEK
Wageningen Institute for Environment and Climate Research (WIMEK) aims to develop an integrated understanding of environmental change, its impact on the quality of life and sustainability and offers solutions for environmental improvement by:
- conducting innovative scientific and technological research.
- offering PhD training and education.
- dissemination emerging insights, recent research results and novel technological & policy approaches to companies, regulating authorities and society.
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Support our research
University Fund Wageningen stimulates the development of academic talent, enables groundbreaking research and fosters innovative entrepreneurship.