Leiden University

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. It has seven faculties in the arts, sciences and social sciences, spread over locations in Leiden and The Hague. The University has over 6,700 staff members and 28,130 students. The motto of the University is 'Praesidium Libertatis' – Bastion of Freedom. The rich history of the University is documented in the series of books Groepsportret met Dame (Group Portrait with a Lady) by Willem Otterspeer, Professor of University History. For each century of the University’s history, Otterspeer explains how the University was founded, how it became established in Leiden and how it has developed as an integral part of society. His book entitled The bastion of liberty is a condensed history of the University.