University of Birmingham awards honorary degree to Hester Bijl
Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl received an honorary degree from the University of Birmingham on Friday 12 December for her contribution to educational innovation, student well-being and culture change within academia.
During the ceremony, Bijl was praised for creating the Leiden Learning & Innovation Centre and for improving digital education. She was also commended for her efforts to improve student well-being and for implementing the Academia in Motion programme. It was also emphasised how he has fostered innovation and connection by furthering interdisciplinary collaboration between institutions. She and Robin Mason (the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham) launched a joint seed fund in 2024, which created a framework for continued collaboration and investment between the two universities.
Reactie Hester Bijl
‘I am deeply humbled by the tremendous honour that the University of Birmingham has bestowed upon me,’ said Hester Bijl. ‘In my opinion, this particular honour transcends my person. I think it is also a testament to the well-established ties between the University of Birmingham and Leiden University. For quite some time now, we have been collaborating on a number of very important projects, and I am happy and grateful that I have had the opportunity to play a role in this matter.’