Rector Magnificus Sarah de Rijcke on Radio Sleutelstad: ‘Education should be taken more seriously’
What’s it like to be Rector Magnificus in the current climate? Sarah de Rijcke spoke about this in the Kennismakers van Sleutelstad radio show. She has been at the helm of Leiden University since the start of this year, at a time when academic freedom is under increased pressure.
De Rijcke believes education should be taken even more seriously and rewarded more fairly within the academic world. Too often, the emphasis lies on research. Diversity requires sustained attention too. Although 38 per cent of professors are now female, this figure remains too low, said De Rijcke. Progress has undoubtedly been made, but the pace needs to be faster.
Collaboration with professional and vocational education
The university is also seeking closer collaboration with professional and vocational education institutions, in areas such as health and well-being, for example. These areas require a broader approach, said De Rijcke.
Academic freedom
The conversation also covered external pressures on academic freedom. How do we protect this freedom when expectations from society are increasing? ‘We need to be able to explain why we are working on issues today that may not become relevant for another 20 years’, said De Rijcke.
Watch and listen to the Radio Sleutelstad interview with Rector Magnificus Sarah de Rijcke. Please note: the interview is in Dutch.