The education at our university was of a very high standard last year, as it is practically every year. Students judge it positively. Partly on this basis, the Keuzegids even awarded seven Bachelor's programmes the designation of 'top programme', and eight are among the best in their field. Visitation committees were enthusiastic. They particularly praise the passionate lecturers, the personal and small-scale learning environment, the strong connection between education and research, and the way in which programmes challenge students to think critically and independently. The open quality culture, in which feedback visibly leads to improvements in education, is also widely appreciated. Personally, I experienced our education up close when I had the opportunity to give a guest lecture to Public Administration students. I look back on that with pleasure.
Our researchers achieved numerous significant results last year. Karin Roelofs was awarded the Spinoza Prize (one and a half million euros, the highest scientific grant in the Netherlands) for her research into how the brain and body respond to stressful situations. Chemist Wilhelm Huck received—quite uniquely—an ERC Advanced Grant (approximately two and a half million euros) for the third time, for his research into training and scaling up molecular information processing systems. And the language project Kletskoppen op Maat by Radboud University and the Max Planck Institute received a European prize as an encouragement. Students from disadvantaged neighborhoods are discovering the power of multilingualism and how to research it. The amounts of the three prizes differ, the content of the three prizes differs, but they also have something in common. They are all of importance to our broad-based university.
Our researchers also gained new knowledge for the city and region. Recently, for example, it emerged that Nijmegen was already of considerable size in Roman times. This became clear through excavations of large parts of a monumental bathhouse complex in Nijmegen-West.
Looking forward, it is obvious that the semiconductor industry in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region will play a significant role. This cannot be achieved without the scientific knowledge of our researchers, which is also relevant in an international context. There is an increasing need for chips, but above all, more energy-efficient chips. After all, data usage consumes too much energy and water to ‘simply’ grow ; it must also become smarter and more sustainable. Furthermore, Europe wants to become much more autonomous towards other global players, including on this subject. This geopolitical context contributes to the fact that there are enormous opportunities, also for this region, to grow the knowledge, skills, and capabilities we possess.
Our researchers also share their findings with the community in other forms. With the launch of the book De kracht van verbinding, researchers from across the entire spectrum of our university demonstrate what we can do to contribute to a sustainable planet.
Professionals from our region were able to brush up on new knowledge during the Future Forward event. And who hasn't enjoyed Professorproef, a science podcast for children?
The fact that we have been able to achieve all these wonderful results is a great compliment to the entire organization. After all, it has been anything but an easy year. The budget cuts are demanding a great deal from the university and our staff. Expiring contracts are not being renewed, and we are forced to discontinue part of our offerings. We are going through a tough period. Fortunately, there is the prospect that more funding will become available for education and research from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Something for which researchers, students, and the board have demonstrated side by side.
As the Executive Board, we have also received criticism recently, including from staff members who felt insufficiently involved in the development of the strategy and due to the terminology used. To keep connecting with everyone part of our institute, we will visit all faculties and units after the summer to talk to students and staff about current issues, together with the Faculty Board and Management.
From August 19 onwards, staff and students can also exchange ideas with me or our rector almost weekly during a consultation hour. During this hour you can share ideas, voice concerns, or ask questions about topics relevant to the university.
But first I will first cycle through the Alps for a few weeks together with my husband. I hope to see everyone back rested and well next academic year. For now, I wish everyone a wonderful summer!
