Features

Science17 March 2023

Will the fungus from The Last of Us turn us into zombies?

In the thrilling plot of the hit series The Last of Us, a fungus infects humans and turns them into zombies. Mycologist Vasilis Kokkoris sheds light on how realistic this scenario is.

Students16 March 2023

VU gamers unite to compete in Dutch Student League

The idea of having VU Amsterdam compete in the Dutch Student League (DSL) came from finance student Ferdi Kabak. He organizes campus events in 3D and asked around if anyone was interested in competing in the tournament.

Key People08 March 2023

‘I am hopeful about the new generation of students’

When she was a student herself, Marleen Blootens (40) was searching for a purpose. As a students’ chaplain she now holds space for students who are seeking answers to the big questions in life.

Society07 March 2023

‘People get uncomfortable if you say you’re Jewish’

Professor of Jewish studies Jessica Roitman wants to show the diversity of Judaism. ‘People are surprised when they hear that there are Black and Asian Jews.’

Science03 March 2023

How our immune system plays an unexpectedly big role in Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease takes place both in the brain and in the blood, with immune cells playing a vital role. That is what Lynn van Olst discovered during her PhD research, earning her a cum laude degree.

Campus23 February 2023

Housing problems threaten the study associations

The recently modified relocation plans for the W&N building allocate 70 per cent less space to study associations. This has led to disbelief and a letter to the Executive Board: “We have no confidence in our future existence.”

Education22 February 2023

Teacher of the year wants to see his students grow

Were you surprised by your nomination? “Yes, very much so. I didn’t know until quite late in the process I was nominated. We have set up this new bachelor programme Law in Society and the first years were hard work.

Campus03 February 2023

‘We were attacked while studying in the main building’

When first-year Artificial Intelligence student Faritzky Prabaswara shows up to tell his story, he has a slight discoloration on the side of his face, presumably from being punched.

Key People02 February 2023

‘I never thanked my female teachers for their role in my life’

Student Tetyana Pryshchepova condemns the gender-normative stereotypes society has imposed on children. As co-founder of Women in Stem@VU (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), she hopes to get more women into the exact sciences.

Science25 January 2023

Will computers replace scientists?

As the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve at breakneck speed, things that seem impossible one day can become reality the next. Fantasy is overtaken by reality. That’s also what happened when I started writing this story.