Professor Jantine Schuit (1964) has been appointed as EUR's new Rector Magnificus as of 1 November 2024. She is responsible for education, research and impact, including academic staff (policy), students and science education. The appointment is for a period of four years. She succeeds Rector Magnificus Professor Bredenoord, who fulfils the role of President of the Executive Board from 1 September, 2024.
Jantine Schuit is a Professor and Administrator who works at the intersection of health, behaviour and society. Her research focuses on the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and policies in the field of health.
"Erasmus University is a wonderful university with ambitious goals that greatly appeal to me."
Currently, Schuit is the Vice-Rector Magnificus of Tilburg University, where she is responsible for education, research and impact. In recent years, she has focused on innovation, professionalisation and quality assurance in education and mission-driven, transdisciplinary research. As a Board member, she has also contributed to the strategy and identity of the university and has been committed to the 'Recognition and Rewards' programme, leadership development and social safety.
"I am very pleased with this appointment. Erasmus University is a wonderful university with ambitious goals that greatly appeal to me. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, both within and outside the university. It is special to be able to play a meaningful role in this academic community and to work together with our staff and students towards a promising future for Erasmus University," said Jantine Schuit.
Background
Schuit studied Domestic and Consumer Sciences (specialising in epidemiology and health education) at Wageningen University. In 1997, she earned her PhD with research on the effect of an exercise programme on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the elderly. From 1997 to 2017, she worked at the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), as Head of the Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Healthcare and later as Deputy Director of Public Health and Healthcare. From 2005 to 2017, she was an Associate Professor and Endowed Professor at the VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam). In 2017, she was appointed Dean of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Health, Behavior, and Society. Since November 2020, she has been a member of the Executive Board and Vice-rector Magnificus of Tilburg University.