Jasper's Day
Jasper Knoester is the dean of the Faculty of Science. How is he doing, what exactly does he do and what does his day look like? In each newsletter, Jasper gives an insight into his life.
Monday 7 July - ‘From Economie071 to Key Region Leiden. I think it's a smart move’
‘At 8.45 I’m at the office, ready for a full day. I start with an online meeting with colleagues from the university’s central office about a new proposal from UNA Europa – the alliance of eleven universities that we’re part of. The plan aims to expand activities into so-called “widening countries”, meaning those that are (not yet) part of the EU. There’s little direct financial gain for our university, but there are interesting opportunities for the alliance as a whole. So we agree to support the proposal, looking for ways to strengthen our own goals in the process – rather than setting up completely new activities we don’t have the people for.
Next, I briefly join an online introduction session for new university staff. These sessions have been running for two years now, alternating between in-person and online formats. Members of the Executive Board and deans are expected to speak at least once a year. Today it’s my turn – the third time I’ve done it. I enjoy talking about the university’s strategy and how we’re putting it into practice. It’s a great way to give new colleagues a warm welcome.
Career policy for academic staff
Immediately afterwards, I join a meeting with Elice Schöne (head of HR) and José Kiss (Policy officer research) and a delegation from the university-wide Academia in Motion (AiM) working group. Two weeks ago, our faculty’s working group published its recommendations for a new career policy for academic staff. Within the faculty, we still need to make a few final decisions before we can present the proposal to the Faculty Council for approval.
But recently, the rector decided that all career policies must be assessed against the principles of the university-wide AiM framework – and those principles still need to be worked out over the coming months. Today’s meeting is a chance to explore how the working group views our current approach and to explain how we believe our policy fits within the broader framework. It turns into a valuable discussion, where both sides learn from each other. We agree that I will present the proposed policy to the rector and the other deans for peer review at the end of October.
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Grabbing a quick coffee between meetings – with a fitting mug to match... -
This is the Key Region Leiden
Knowledge Security
After the biannual strategic meeting with the Lorentz Centre, I have a session with the Core Team for Knowledge Security. As of 1 October, our faculty will switch from our own temporary procedure – which we’ve used for the past two years – to the university’s new policy framework. We’ve made good progress in recent weeks to get ready for this transition and are now focusing on how we’ll communicate the changes. One key part of this is a plenary session in early September, where the rector and I will explain why this policy matters. Naturally, it’s a policy that can feel at odds with the academic values of openness and knowledge sharing. After the plenary, we’ll host sessions at each institute to help staff understand what the policy means in practice. Today’s meeting is mainly about preparing those activities.
Following another four meetings, I end the day at the Plus Ultra building on campus. This is where the launch takes place of a new regional brand name, under which Leiden and the surrounding area will promote themselves in the knowledge and innovation sector. The old name was Economie071 – from today it’s Key Region Leiden. Under this new name, seven municipalities, Leiden Bio Science Park, the NL Space Campus, Unmanned Valley, Leiden University, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, MBO Rijnland and other partners will join forces to present themselves as a strong ecosystem, both nationally and internationally. I think it’s a smart move and I wish our region every success. I also believe that our faculty can make a meaningful contribution – and benefit from it in return. After the official launch and a few short speeches, it’s time to network – an activity that should never be underestimated.
Kamiel and I watch a bit of sport together
At seven I head home and cook dinner for Kamiel and myself. Xuefei is in Groningen and Jasmijn is still busy celebrating finishing her final school exams. After dinner I read a few documents to prepare for tomorrow, then go for a swim. I come home feeling refreshed and with a clear head. Kamiel and I watch a bit of sport together and by midnight I’m the first to head to bed. Things have quietened down at school and Kamiel is happy relaxing on the sofa. I won’t see him again until dinner tomorrow.’