# Leiden University

> public university in the Netherlands

**Wikidata**: [Q156598](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156598)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leiden_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leiden-university

## Summary
Leiden University is a public research university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. It is one of the oldest universities in the country and is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in computer science, mathematics, and other disciplines.

## Key Facts
- Founded on February 8, 1575, by William the Silent.
- Located in Leiden and The Hague, Netherlands.
- Official name: Universiteit Leiden.
- Rector: Hester Bijl (as of the latest data).
- Student population: 33,474 (2024).
- Employees: 7,860 (2024).
- Ranked 82nd in the 2019 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.
- Part of prestigious networks like the Coimbra Group and League of European Research Universities.
- Notable alumni include Edsger W. Dijkstra, a pioneering computer scientist.
- Affiliated with prominent computer scientists like Dick H. J. Epema and Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Leiden University founded?
A: Leiden University was founded on February 8, 1575, by William the Silent.

### Q: Where is Leiden University located?
A: The university is primarily located in Leiden, with additional facilities in The Hague, Netherlands.

### Q: What is Leiden University known for?
A: It is renowned for its strong programs in computer science, mathematics, and other academic fields, as well as its historical significance as one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands.

### Q: Who are some notable alumni of Leiden University?
A: Notable alumni include Edsger W. Dijkstra, a Turing Award-winning computer scientist, and Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn, a prominent mathematician.

### Q: How many students attend Leiden University?
A: As of 2024, the university has 33,474 enrolled students.

## Why It Matters
Leiden University plays a crucial role in advancing education and research, particularly in computer science and mathematics. As one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, it has a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. The university's contributions to research and its affiliation with notable scholars have solidified its reputation as a leading institution in Europe. Its membership in prestigious academic networks further enhances its global influence, making it a key player in shaping future generations of researchers and professionals.

## Notable For
- Being one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, founded in 1575.
- Strong academic programs in computer science and mathematics.
- Affiliation with renowned computer scientists and mathematicians.
- Membership in elite academic networks like the Coimbra Group and League of European Research Universities.
- High global rankings, consistently placing among the top 100 universities worldwide.

## Body
### History and Founding
Leiden University was established on February 8, 1575, by William the Silent, making it one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and innovation.

### Academic Programs
The university offers a wide range of programs, with notable strengths in computer science and mathematics. It has produced several prominent scholars in these fields, including Edsger W. Dijkstra and Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn.

### Global Rankings
Leiden University has consistently ranked among the top universities globally. In the 2019 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, it was ranked 82nd.

### Affiliations and Networks
The university is a member of several prestigious academic networks, including the Coimbra Group, League of European Research Universities, and the European University Association. These affiliations enhance its global reputation and collaborative opportunities.

### Notable Alumni and Faculty
Leiden University has been affiliated with many notable individuals, particularly in computer science. Some prominent figures include:
- Edsger W. Dijkstra (1930–2002), a pioneering computer scientist.
- Nicolaas Govert de Bruijn (1918–2012), a renowned mathematician and computer scientist.
- Dick H. J. Epema, a computer scientist who earned his Ph.D. from Leiden in 1983.
- Arnold Smeulders, a computer scientist and researcher who earned his Ph.D. from Leiden in 1983.

### Campus and Facilities
The university is primarily located in Leiden, with additional facilities in The Hague. It houses several notable institutions, including the Leiden University Library and the African Studies Centre Leiden.

### Research and Innovation
Leiden University is a hub for research and innovation, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies. It has received funding from organizations like the Open Society Foundations to support initiatives aimed at fostering global knowledge networks.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/universiteit-leiden?rid=705450224079-05)
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](http://www.elixir-europe.org/about-us/who-we-are/nodes/netherlands)
7. [Source](https://orcid.org/members/001G000001nCnXlIAK-universiteit-leiden)
8. [Source](https://www.academischerfgoed.nl/instellingen/)
9. [Source](https://eua.eu/about/member-directory.html)
10. [Source](https://publicationethics.org/members)
11. [Source](https://www.ascleiden.nl/sites/default/files/1._ascl_review_self-evaluation_march_6.pdf)
12. Praecidanea dousana : materials for a biography of Janus Dousa Pater (Amsterdam, 1976 edition)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Czech National Authority Database
15. [Source](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/over-ons)
16. [Source](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/about-us)
17. MusicBrainz
18. [Working at Leiden University](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at)
19. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2019)
20. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2018)
21. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2017)
22. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2016)
23. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2015)
24. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2014)
25. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2013)
26. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2012)
27. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2010)
28. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2011)
29. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2008)
30. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2003)
31. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2004)
32. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2005)
33. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2006)
34. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2007)
35. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2020)
36. [Source](https://www.shanghairanking.cn/rankings/arwu/2021)
37. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2022)
38. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2024)
39. [Source](https://www.qschina.cn/en/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023)
40. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
41. [Source](https://www.umultirank.org/study-at/university-of-leiden-rankings/)
42. GRID Release 2015-12-14
43. GRID Release 2016-12-06
44. BabelNet
45. [Source](https://beeldbankwo2.nl/nl/over-ons/deelnemers/54-universiteit-leiden)
46. Quora
47. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
48. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=194.171.106.0%20-%20194.171.106.255&type=inetnum)
49. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=188.200.154.48%20-%20188.200.154.55&type=inetnum)
50. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=2001:610:318::/48&type=inet6num)