Meet the Societal Advisory Board
The Faculty of Humanities wants to take a stand in the middle of society with its research and education. That’s why last year, in the middle of a pandemic, the Societal Advisory Board was founded. What are the members’ plans?
Thanks to their prominent position in society, members of the Societal Advisory Board (SAB) have a unique perspective on the (future) relationship between humanities and society. As a sounding board, the SAB can hold up a mirror and let the ‘outside world’ contribute to strategic policy regarding important themes. The SAB operates independently and has no executive powers.
Adri Bom-Lemstra
Chairperson Glastuinbouw Nederland
‘I used to work as a deputy in South Holland. With that function I had many contacts in all the universities, in the province as well as the WUR in Wageningen. In my current function I have a lot of contact with institutions for higher education as well. They all claim that we should collaborate to tackle societal problems successfully. This means internal collaboration, but also working together with Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO), Institutes for Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) and other sectors. If my network makes it easier to establish these kinds of collaborations, I’d do it without question. I also think that the Board can help the university to create a space for the right conversations. The Board helps to show a different perspective, reflect and test ideas.’
Karin Doeksen
Founder of DUX International, a recruitment agency focused on the non-profit sector
‘My outsider’s point of view helps the faculty to keep contact and a “feel” of what’s going on outside of the faculty. A university has the tendency to focus on itself: people are busy with their own education, research and projects. It’s advantageous to let external partners ask critical questions. For instance, we looked into the Faculty Strategic Plan. We communicated that the excerpt about the faculty’s identity could be more impactful: what makes Leiden unique and how do you convey that? Something my organisation and the university have in common is that we both try to make an impact on society. That’s why I like to help brainstorm how to best create that impact, by better structuring courses, for example. As Humanities it’s impossible to ignore subjects like climate, environment and robotisation. Their societal impact is too great for that. Diversity and inclusivity are also of great importance. Is the type of language we use inclusive enough? I think it’s great that the faculty is really trying to make a change.’
Nellie van de Griend
Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Innovation & Society of the The Hague University of Applied Sciences
‘Although I may be doing something quite different now, I actually studied History in Leiden. For almost all of my career, ninety percent of my colleagues consisted of engineers. The other perspective is helpful for a Societal Advisory Board, because the faculty should be in constant contact with different outside viewpoints. With my position, I also try to bridge the gap between engineering and society. What is the goal of this research in a societal context? This may be less evident in Humanities, but it is also important to keep asking that same question. The faculty has clearly voiced its ambition for their strategy of the following years, but new questions will likely arise along the way. I would like to play a critical and supportive part in this.’
Flip de Heer
Former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘My administrative experience tells me it’s imperative to have a group of friends who aren’t afraid to ask critical questions such as: “Have you thought of this before?” and “What does this solve?” I like sharing my experience in the same environment where I studied and got my PhD. This is an important point: this group of friends needs to know what they’re talking about when asking these questions. As a member of the Board, I also think it’s important to support the often tormented professors. They all work extremely hard. The amount of students at the Faculty of Humanities has tripled since I arrived in Leiden. All these students need to be supported and educated. Despite the constantly depleting resources, the faculty manages to accomplish this feat. If I can help support these efforts, I’ll do it without question. Outside Leiden, our faculty is held in high regard and that should stay that way. We may not develop pills that directly influence the economy, but our institutes produce high quality work every year and our libraries are full of irreplaceable unique copies. I’d like to say: “Let’s value it and keep it that way.”’
Frits Hoekstra
Chairperson of the Executive Board of SCOPE Scholengroep in Alphen aan den Rijn
‘The knowledge the faculty produces, is something it can share with society. The same is reflected in the group of schools where I work: ultimately, the knowledge attained at a university, ends up being integrated in our education programmes. At the same time, we give students to the university, whereas the university educates our teachers. Evidently, we’re intrinsically connected to each other. I like to help think about the questions the faculty asks. Do these questions influence my organisation? Are there any questions left unanswered? I think it’s of extreme importance that scientists follow their own curiosity, but it would be great if some unanswered questions from my organisation end up with someone who’s curious about it too. Conversely, I like thinking about questions from the faculty. Why are some courses less popular than others and what can we do about it? for example.’
Meta Knol
Chairperson of the Leiden European City of Science 2022
‘In the past it was possible for a university to keep a relatively distant position from society, but thanks to several emancipation movements and digitalisation of the last century, that’s not feasible anymore. People have a voice and they want to be heard. The SAB really helps to bridge the gap between university and society. This also means that we sometimes need to do a reality check. What is the difference between what the university wants and what really happens in terms of digital safety and diversity? for example. Before I became chairperson of Leiden2022, I worked in museums; most recently, I was chairperson of Museum De Lakenhal. I’ve always worked in the public sector. I like focusing my knowledge of public and cultural engagement on the faculty.’
Haroon Sheikh
Senior lecturer WRR
‘You can hear a call demanding to anchor institutes to society more. A Societal Advisory Board matches that trend. I have personally studied Public Administration, Philosophy and Political Science at Leiden University and never stopped being actively involved in the faculty. When I was asked to join the Board I immediately agreed. As members of the Board we try to aid the faculty by showing how they are perceived by society with a critical eye, but we also help with policies. We’ve discussed minority groups in society, for example. What terminology is most respectful? We’ve also looked at how the Faculty Strategic Plan fits in global research trends. Especially in the first round, we tried to include everything going on in the outside world in our conversations. What have we seen happen in the world? And what role does the faculty play in it? That way we help the faculty see things from an outside perspective.’