50 Years of Maastricht University: Building Lasting Impact Together

For 50 years, Maastricht University has been transforming knowledge into societal impact. Through innovative education and groundbreaking research, we work on solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow, both within our region and far beyond. What began with a focus on medical science has grown into a broad university with strong disciplines such as economics, law and culture. As a relatively young institution, we are proud of our growth: UM now counts 110,000 alumni worldwide and enjoys international recognition, thanks in part to leading innovations in the field of health.

The University Fund Limburg forms the bridge between the university and society. To truly advance research innovation within UM, the fund raises additional resources. Research is costly, and many valuable projects do not receive government funding. Thanks to donations, researchers can achieve breakthroughs more quickly, train talent, and translate ideas into concrete applications.

Would you like to celebrate UM’s 50th anniversary with us and contribute to the next 50 years? Then consider making a donation to the University Fund Limburg. Your support strengthens innovation, empowers future generations, and helps create lasting impact.

Research and education projects at UM
We support research and education projects across a wide range of fields, from (mental) health, sustainability, culture and heritage to equal rights. Below are several examples of programmes we support.

•  Brain Health
  Our brains shape who we are, how we think, feel and live. Yet millions of people are affected by conditions that threaten this most precious organ. The Smart Tears Fund, Age@Minds Fund, Brain Injury Fund and Brain Battle Fund are committed to pioneering research and innovative care. Their shared mission: to improve the quality of life of patients and their loved ones through smart technology, better diagnostics and personalised treatments. Together, they are building a future in which brain health is within reach for everyone.
• Equal opportunities in education
  Studying is far from self-evident for many young people due to financial and social barriers, and current crises only seem to widen the opportunity gap. An educational qualification largely determines one’s prospects on the labour market and often influences health and housing outcomes. The Equity and Inclusion Programme offers scholarships to talented young people, because access to education should be possible for all. In doing so, the programme contributes to greater diversity and inclusivity in higher education and helps students to fully realise their potential. 
• Cardiovascular diseases
  Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, yet breakthroughs in research are making it possible to reverse this trend. Through innovative science, the Queen of Hearts Fund and the Healing Heart Fund are working on better early detection of risks and on pioneering treatments – particularly for women and for people with genetic heart failure – that can genuinely prevent and repair heart damage. Prevention is key: not intervening only when it is too late, but identifying and treating problems early enough to make a lifelong difference. The impact is significant: fewer people falling ill unexpectedly, more patients recovering, and families able to keep their loved ones healthy for longer.
• Children’s rights
  The Children’s Rights Research Fund supports research and education projects aimed at improving the daily lives of children. In these projects, children are not merely subjects of study; they are actively involved in the research and have a voice in the process. Through donations, the Fund ensures that children’s rights do not remain theoretical principles but are translated into tangible practice and policy. In this way, children around the world gain greater visibility, influence and opportunities to help shape their own future. This contributes to a world in which children are recognised as full partners in research, education and society.
• Academic heritage
  Maastricht University holds a number of special collections consisting of manuscripts, books and objects that reflect its academic identity. The Academic Heritage Fund makes these collections visible, accessible and usable for education, research and the wider public. Examples include items from the Jesuit Collection, the Charles Eyck archive and the Pierre Kemp library. By investing in these collections, the Fund fosters a lively dialogue between past and present, between researchers, students and heritage enthusiasts. In doing so, it brings history into the classroom, the laboratory and the city.

Do you want to read more about all our Named Funds? Please find here an overview.

UM Crowd is part of the University Fund Limburg/SWOL. This fund is a recognised 'algemeen nut beogende instelling' (ANBI). This means that your donation is fully or partially tax deductible. You will receive an automatic email with a receipt after your donation.