In the end, we all want the same thing: to be a strong, inspiring, and compassionate institute
On Monday 3 November, Hanneke Hulst bid farewell to the Institute of Psychology and gave a heart-warming speech to her colleagues. After two years as scientific director, she is moving to New Zealand to start a new chapter in her life. ‘I wish you all one thing that costs nothing but is worth everything: kindness.’
Dear colleagues,
After more than four special years at Leiden Psychology, first as unit chair and later as scientific director, it is time for me to step down from the role and say goodbye to the Institute. It still feels a little unreal to write this. For me, this was never ‘just a job’. It was building, learning, laughing, sometimes struggling. But always together, with colleagues.
When I came to Leiden from Amsterdam in 2020, I thought I would stay here for a long time, just as I did there. I began as chair of the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit, where I stepped aside earlier than expected because, with a gentle nudge from Andrea, I applied for the scientific director role. That role became a period in which the institute (and, quite honestly, I myself) was in constant motion and in which I grew tremendously.
We experienced challenging moments: financial pressure, major national developments (and strikes) in higher education, and the heartbreaking loss of Andrea. She was a mentor, a role model, and one of the warmest people I have ever had the privilege to know. But we also made beautiful steps forward together: in research, in education, and in building ‘one Institute’.
What I carry with me most is a deep awareness that we are a community that truly makes a difference. For students, for science, and for society. And that we do this with curiosity, ambition, humour, and a generous dose of resilience. That is something to be proud of, and that I am proud of.
In a world full of change, I wish you one thing that costs nothing yet means everything: kindness from within. Assume good intentions. Give each other space. Truly see one another. In the end, we all want the same thing: to be a strong, inspiring, and compassionate Institute. I believe you can conquer the world with kindness, especially in difficult times.
Thank you to my fellow board members, the unit chairs, staff, researchers, support teams, lecturers, PhD candidates, students, and everyone who shapes Leiden Psychology every single day. You are the institute. I will miss you deeply.
I leave with a smile and a tear for Auckland to start a new chapter, but I remain connected to Leiden: through PhD students, collaborations, and especially through the relationships we have built. And thanks to Teams, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, “the other side of the world” now feels mostly like one strong Wi-Fi connection away.
And to give you a small glimpse into my next chapter… Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui — be strong, be brave, and keep going with a warm heart.
It has been an honour to serve as your Scientific Director. I wish you all the very best.
With cheerful regards,
Hanneke