The Faculty of Geosciences of Utrecht University has the ambition to be a global trailblazer in education and research with regard to our Earth system and sustainability, from the local to the global scale. We study the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilization of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Our unique combination of expertise in both natural and social sciences in a single faculty will enable us to achieve our ambitions.

The mission of the Department of Physical Geography is to be at the forefront of research in Earth Surface Dynamics. Our knowledge and understanding of Earth’s continental and coastal systems contribute to a safe and healthy living environment and to sustainable management of Earth’s natural resources for the next generations. Through our work, we contribute in particular to number 6, 13, 14 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations in 2015.