Bart Barendregt appointed Dean of Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
In consultation with the Executive Board of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and having heard the views of the Faculty Council, the Executive Board has appointed Bart Barendregt as Dean of the Faculty until 1 April 2027.
Bart Barendregt is Professor of Digital Anthropology and holds the UNESCO Chair in the Anthropology of Digital Diversity. His previous roles include Director of Studies and Scientific Director of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology. Since 1 January 2024, Barendregt has served as Vice-Dean of Research and Dean of the Graduate School of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, as well as being a member of the Board of Campus The Hague.
Response from the Executive Board
The Executive Board is grateful to Bart Barendregt for his willingness to take on this responsibility. It wishes him every success and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with him.
“I have come to know Bart as someone who provides direction with genuine commitment and vision,”said Sarah de Rijcke, Rector Magnificus. “He combines intellectual depth with a calm leadership style and an open outlook on the world around us. This inspires confidence in a positive continuation of the faculty’s leadership.”
Leadership changes at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
This interim appointment ensures stable leadership during a period of transition within the Faculty Board and the institute boards of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. In his role as Vice-Dean for Research, Barendregt had already temporarily taken on the Dean’s portfolio following De Rijcke’s appointment as Rector Magnificus.
As of 1 April, Carlijn Bergwerff will assume the position of Vice-Dean of Studies, once Kristiaan van der Heijden’s term has concluded. A new Executive Director is being sought to succeed Egon Houben from 1 September. Following Bart Barendregt’s appointment as Dean, recruitment for a new Vice-Dean of Research will also begin shortly.
The Executive Board and Faculty Board consider it essential that an open procedure is initiated as soon as possible to fill the position of Dean after 1 April 2027. This procedure will commence in the autumn.