Jasper's Day - From Fiji to soaking wet trousers
A sunny call from Fiji, a drenched arrival in Leiden and a day filled with conversations about cancer research, China and inclusion. Such are the turns a day can take — from itchy legs to a well-earned dessert.
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, 4 June
‘I wake up to a phone call from my daughter Jasmijn, who is enjoying the sunset in Fiji with her boyfriend after a great day of diving. What a lovely start to the day, and how good to hear they’re having such a good time. I quickly get ready and set off on my bike at eight. A risky move – in a suit, with threatening skies and no rain gear. The first drops fall after 100 metres, but I’m already on my way, so I keep going. The stretch in The Hague isn’t too bad and ten minutes later I’m on the train, not overly wet. Unfortunately, the Leiden leg is less fortunate and I arrive at the office with soaking wet trousers. That means a morning of slowly drying, itchy legs – not a pleasant prospect.
Oncode Accelerator – working together on cancer research
After a meeting on international collaboration, I receive Bertholt Leeftink. He is Managing Director of the Oncode Institute – an organisation for cancer research and innovation in its treatment – and recently also CEO of the Growth Fund programme Oncode Accelerator (OA). Researchers from our faculty are involved in both. It is a useful conversation. We talk at length about OA in particular. In recent years we have encountered quite a few hurdles, and with a new CEO there is hope for more effective use of the programme.
I then speak with Jasper Williams and Nynke Weinreich. They are part of the Diversity and Inclusion working group. After a series of interviews, the group hopes to present advice to the faculty board before the summer on the current state of affairs and next steps.
After two more meetings, there is time for lunch and catching up on emails. I then head to the Plus Ultra building across the street for a meeting of the Municipality of Leiden’s China table. The municipality and Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP) want to better explore opportunities for relations with China. It is a small gathering of around 20 people from the municipality, province, industry, university, the LUMC and ministries. There has recently been a fact-finding mission to China in the field of biotechnology. The delegation leader, Hans Schikan, gives a brief report and is clearly impressed by what he has seen.
Opportunities versus risks
This is followed by a presentation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with figures showing how much China’s position in research and innovation has grown over the past 20 years. This is not news to me; I have visited many universities and institutions in China during this period and have seen the changes in leaps and bounds. An intensive discussion follows on the reasons to collaborate with partners in China and the reasons to be cautious. Opportunities versus risks. Within the faculty we are becoming increasingly familiar with this, as we frequently weigh up knowledge security considerations. One of the participants puts it succinctly: “Not collaborating at all is the greatest risk you can take.” That is exactly how I see it. And of course you only collaborate in a sensible way and after careful consideration, as with any partner.
Enjoying optics and desserts
From Plus Ultra I cycle quickly to Museum Boerhaave for the Boerhaave dinner. Fortunately, I stay dry this time. It turns into a pleasant and engaging evening. There is an enjoyable presentation by Tiemen Cocquyt, science historian at Boerhaave. He speaks about the development of the microscope and the telescope in the 17th century and the key insights of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. For an optician, this is a real treat. The director, Jan‑Jaap de Haan, also presents plans for a major renovation of the museum and the associated fundraising. In between, I briefly speak with the mayor about the Cleanroom Corridor South Holland, an initiative of great importance to the faculty.
By ten o’clock I am home. Too late to go out and exercise. I catch up with Kamiel and we plan his birthday dinner for tomorrow. We are still just the two of us at home, but my sisters are coming with their partners, so it will be a proper celebration after all. Lights out after midnight. He is not yet an adult, but it’s getting close.’