Studium Generale
Studium Generale encourages students and staff to think more sharply and critically about science, society and themselves, and to engage in dialogue about these topics. This allows us to look beyond the boundaries of our own fields, discover different perspectives and examine our own ideas.
Upcoming events
About the Open Mind Lab
In the Open Mind Lab (OML) you work together with a group of fellow students to develop a Studium Generale programme. You can sign up as a group or as an individual. An OML programme is shaped through an intriguing exploration of the subject matter. Throughout this process you are coached by a Studium Generale programme designer.
For whom is OML?
Want to immerse yourself in a fascinating topic with a group of fellow students, and create your own Studium Generale activity?
Are you a WUR-student and interested in exploring fascinating and thorny topics and reflecting on these with a wider public during public events? Are you motivated and keen to develop your skills and competences while exploring academic reflection in practice? If you are on the look-out for a unique and enriching group work experience, then OML is for you!
What is there to gain?
You broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding regarding the chosen topic. Besides this, you practice academic reflection and its translation into an extracurricular educational programme. At the same time you develop important skills and competences such as cooperation, organisation, writing, communication and concision.
Finally, for inclusion in your personal development portfolio or curriculum vitae, you are awarded a proof of participation which demonstrates your commitment and time investment in the OML programme.
Studium Generale does not award ECTS, but you can explore whether your participation in the OML could be a part of your study programme. Please contact the programme designer to discuss this.
Time investment and registration
The group meets regularly with the SG programme designer. Usually this takes about an hour a week. Next to this, your own personal investment will be one to two hours per week for reading, doing background research and practical organisation.
The next OML-group starts in September 2026. Preparation in September-December, programme taking place in December 2026 (deadline registration 1 September 2026).
Academic education
Subject knowledge
At Studium Generale, academic education is central, in line with the law. The VSNU, the association of universities, describes academic education as follows:
"Students do not only acquire subject-specific knowledge at university. They also gain insight into scientific methods, work together and learn to reflect and reason. In addition to learning academic skills, scientific integrity, ethical professionalism and (global) citizenship are also part of the academic education of students. As part of their academic skills, students also learn to think logically and critically, enabling them to bear the epistemic responsibility that scientific practice requires."
About Studium Generale
Shortly after the Second World War, Studium Generale departments were established at all universities in the Netherlands, on the instructions of the Minister of Education, Arts and Sciences.
Within the field of academic education, Studium Generale Wageningen focuses in particular on (developing the ability for) meaningful reflection.
Studium Generale Wageningen's tasks include:
- providing insight into the interrelationships between the sciences;
- stimulating personal development;
- promoting critical reflection, global citizenship and social responsibility;
- acting as a platform for educational innovation;
- promoting cultural and aesthetic education.
Board
Prof. dr. ir. E.H. (Erwin) Bulte
Prof. dr. ir. R (Rudy) Rabbinge
Prof. dr. M. (Marcel) Zwietering
Prof. dr. M.M. (Martha) Bakker
Prof. dr. EHP (Ewout) Frankema
Pranav Nishtala, student
Team Studium Generale
Wiebe Aans: wiebe.aans@wur.nl
Bertus Beaumont: bertus.beaumont@wur.nl
Adri Bolt: adri.bolt@wur.nl
Shila Ishwardat: shila.ishwardat@wur.nl
Angela Lewis: angela.lewis@wur.nl
Daphne Roodhuyzen: daphne.roodhuyzen@wur.nl
Brechtje Wesseling: brechtje.wesseling@wur.nl
Fulco Ludwig (Interim manager): fulco.ludwig@wur.nl
“Studium Generale challenges me to look at everything critically. What's more, my interests are wide-ranging and I want to learn about multiple subjects.”
Contact
Questions about Studium Generale or the Open Mind Lab? Please contact us!
Studium Generale
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