The University of Antwerp (Universiteit Antwerpen) is a young and dynamic Belgian university. It is characterised by its high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach. It was founded in 2003 after the merger of the three universities of Antwerp. The university's roots go back to 1852. The University of Antwerp has 9 faculties and several autonomous, faculty-like institutes. Doctoral programmes are available in all faculties, with more than 20,000 students (+1,280 PhD students) registered. In total the university has around 5.500 staff members. The University of Antwerp hosts 5 centres of excellence: Nanostructures, Molecular Neurogenetics, Environmental Studies, Social Policy, Evaluation of Vaccination Education is student-centred and competency-based. Students are stimulated to develop into independently minded people who are capable of thinking analytically.