Klaas van Berkel recently retired as Rudolf Agricola professor of history at the University of Groningen. In his research he focuses on cultural history and the history of science, especially the history of scientific institutions (academies, universities). In 2021 he published, with Guus Termeer, The University of Groningen in the World. A Concise History (Amsterdam: Pallas Publications). Guus Termeer is a former chief editor of the Groningen university weekly UK and a retired program maker of Studium Generale Groningen.

• Preface by Jouke de Vries, President of the Board of the University, Introduction, 1. Early heyday (1614-1714), 2. Enlightenment - but in moderation (1714-1814), 3. A century of extremes (1814-1914), 4. War and threats (1914-1945), 5. Growing pains and democratization (1945-1980), 6. Pragmatism with a touch of idealism (1980-2000), 7. The global university (2000-today), Acknowledgements, Index.