History

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a long and rich history. In 1821, the State Veterinary School started in Utrecht with 24 'trainees' (students). Since then, many generations of veterinarians have been trained, first at Bilstraat and later at the Utrecht Science Park. Since 1925, we have been part of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ.

Twee foto's naast elkaar van een operatie van een hond in de jaren 40 en in 2018 bij diergeneeskunde
Surgery on a dog at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

As the only veterinary faculty in our country, we contribute to a unique ecosystem for life sciences education and research, where scientific disciplines collaborate on a large scale. The profession has changed significantly over the past two centuries. What has always remained is the fascination with animals and the realization that animals, humans, and the environment are inextricably linked.

Animation: Orange Films & Steffie Padmos

Jubilee book

In celebration of 200 years of Veterinary Medicine, we have worked with an enthusiastic group of people on the publication of a jubilee book (in Dutch) called: "Dierbaar". The book features a selection of photos and stories about Veterinary Medicine. It highlights the rich history, the diverse present, and offers a glimpse into the future!

  • Some stories from the book: "Dierbaar"

    • Jakob’s historic classroom photos

      Background
      200 years Veterinary Medicine. Jakob’s historic classroom photos

    • Antibiotics: from life-saving discovery to the next pandemic?

      Background
      Antibiotics: from life-saving discovery to the next pandemic? Tipping points in the history of medicine and veterinary medicine

    • Impactful alumni

      Background
      We talked to three particularly impactful alumni of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Marion Koopmans, Martine van Zijll Langhout, and Odette Doest - about how they see the future and the projects they are working on to reach a better tomorrow.

    • Arnold Stokhof and Mel van Zantvliet

      Background
      One is now 77, started studying Veterinary Medicine in 1961 and immersed himself in UU's student society. The other just turned 19 and spent most of his first year studying online from home due to the COVID pandemic.

    • Veterinarian Bron's Cow Bra

      Background
      In addition to his work at a veterinary practice in Sneek, Dutch veterinarian Evert J.S. Bron was also a successful inventor in the veterinary field. For example, Bron designed a teat protector, also known as the udder support net and more colloquially referred to as the ‘cow bra’.
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