Jasper's Day – From strategic meetings to pub quiz
By day it’s all about international collaboration; by evening, quiz questions. In between: a packed schedule, missed stroopwafels, and a faculty buzzing with activity.
Jasper Knoester is 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 offers a glimpse into his daily life.
Thursday, 21 May
‘It feels like summer as I cycle at an easy pace from the station to the Academy Building. What a beautiful city Leiden is. It’s a pleasure to ride along the Rapenburg in the morning sunshine. It will not only be a very sunny day, but also a long one, as it is “We are Science Week”: a week packed with activities for the faculty community, organised by our Communications and Marketing department, with help from student assistants. Tonight features the ‘Beat the Professor Pub Quiz’, an event we as the faculty board always take part in.
What do we expect from a strategic partner?
The day starts with a meeting of the North-East Asia regional group, a university platform where we discuss developments and opportunities for collaboration with countries and regions in North-East Asia. Almost all faculties are represented, in some cases by more than one person. As our faculty is very active in this region—particularly in China and Taiwan over the past year—we contribute a great deal. We have an interesting discussion about what it means for another university to be a strategic partner. We use the term quite easily, but what do we actually expect from such a partner, and what do they expect from us? And what are we willing to invest in such a relationship? It’s a useful discussion, one we would like to continue on a broader level with deans and members of the Executive Board.
Stroopwafels
After this meeting, I cycle quickly to the Gorlaeus Building. It’s pleasantly busy on the square in front of the building—as it often is in good weather—but the ‘We are Science Week’ activities make it even more lively. Unfortunately, I have no time at all to take part. On Tuesday, because of a packed schedule, I already had to miss out on the stroopwafels—a real sacrifice for someone with a sweet tooth like me. Inside, I have three meetings on a range of topics, after which I cycle back to the Academy Building.
This afternoon is the Bestuursberaad, the monthly meeting between the Executive Board and the deans, which usually takes up the entire afternoon. Key agenda items include the strategy of UNA Europa (the European alliance of eleven universities of which we are a member), the implementation agenda for our Campus The Hague, and the annual reports of the university’s confidential advisers and ombudspersons. As always, discussions are extensive. The Bestuursberaad is not a decision-making body, but rather a sounding board and preparatory meeting for the Executive Board. As usual, we end the meeting by discussing issues that are still at an early stage of development
63 teams
After the Bestuursberaad, I cycle back to the Gorlaeus Building. On the square I find the other members of the faculty board—Bart, Suzanne and student assessor Tim. My chips with mayonnaise are waiting for me. I eat them quickly while we exchange a few thoughts about the day. It all fits, just about. At half past six we head to the atrium, where, together with our secretary for academic affairs, Monique Leemkuil, we form team FB+ for the pub quiz. As in previous years, the atrium is completely full. No fewer than 63 teams are taking part, meaning between 250 and 300 people are present.
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A packed atrium is enjoying an evening of pub quiz. The board is seated to the left of centre. -
Quiz hosts Timo Wendel and Victor van der Horst -
Jury members Leontine Heisen, Berber Verhalle, Marjolein van Schoonhoven and Annette Heijn
Proud of third place
As in previous years, it’s a great occasion. The atmosphere is excellent—a fine mix of healthy competition and a sense of community. Timo Wendel and Victor van der Horst have devised the questions. Victor, dressed in a glitter suit like a true quizmaster, expertly guides the evening. As a team, we start off in the middle of the pack in the first of seven rounds, but as the evening progresses we find our rhythm, and in the end we are pleased with our shared third place—though certainly not thanks to me. The main thing is that we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, as a team and together with everyone in the hall. Compliments to the organisers!
For the sixth time today, I get back on my bike. Via the train and one final cycle ride, I am home around midnight. It’s quiet; everyone is already in bed. With a cup of tea, I sit on the sofa for a while, reflecting on a long and varied day. Tomorrow morning I’m off to Groningen, so it will be a short night—but that doesn’t bother me now.’