We’re excited to introduce Michiel Besters, the new Director of Engagement and Research Services (ERS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)! With a strong background in research, policy, and academic leadership, Michiel brings valuable experience and a fresh vision to ERS. In this introduction, he shares his journey, his goals for ERS, and his thoughts on the role of research in creating real societal impact.
A diverse professional background
Michiel’s career has taken him through a mix of academic research, policy-making, and management roles. After earning a Research Master’s degree, he started his career at the Rathenau Institute, where he worked in the field of technology assessment.
His academic path led him to a PhD in legal philosophy at Tilburg University. But rather than staying in academia, he took a different route by moving into policy research. He worked at the Dutch Immigration Service and later at the Ministry of Social Affairs, where he also gained management experience.
Eventually, Michiel found his way back to higher education, this time in research and impact support at Tilburg University. He took on leadership roles, including Head of Research Support at Tilburg Law School and Deputy Director of Research & Impact. These positions gave him firsthand experience in helping researchers navigate funding, strategy, and societal engagement.
A new chapter at EUR
Michiel’s decision to join EUR was driven by EUR’s clear ambition to position itself as a civic university. “EUR is a strong brand in research and is located in a vibrant city and region, with endless possibilities for collaboration,” he says. “I’m excited to contribute to realizing this ambition by helping to translate partnerships into impactful programs and projects that address urgent societal challenges.”
As the Director of ERS, Michiel is particularly inspired by the energy and expertise within the team. “ERS is relatively new but has already proven to be a catalyst for supporting EUR researchers with securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and advancing open and responsible research practices,” he notes. “I look forward to further developing our team and aligning our services with EUR’s strategic goals and those of the Schools.”
A vision for ERS: societal impact and collaboration
Michiel’s vision for ERS is rooted in the belief that universities have a dual responsibility: to produce excellent research and to ensure that this research has a tangible societal impact. “We need to be visible as a university that not only generates knowledge but also makes it accessible and applicable to the world around us,” he explains.
To achieve this, Michiel emphasizes the importance of building networks, ecosystems, and funding opportunities that enable researchers to translate their work into real-world solutions. He also highlights the need for transdisciplinary research, where social sciences and humanities (SSH) play a crucial role in addressing complex societal challenges. “SSH disciplines are sometimes considered as secondary to technical innovations. This is wrong in my view. The human and societal dimensions of these innovations are essential for understanding them,” he says.
Challenges and opportunities in research support
Michiel acknowledges that the research landscape is undergoing significant transitions. “These changes require us to adapt our practices and provide researchers with the tools and frameworks they need to meet evolving standards,” he explains.
He also recognizes the challenges posed by funding cuts and the increasing emphasis on societal impact. “While these pressures are real, they also present opportunities for us to rethink how we approach research and collaboration,” he says. “By focusing on co-creation with external partners and exploring diverse impact pathways, we can ensure that EUR research remains relevant and impactful.”
A message to the EUR community
Michiel’s message to the EUR research community is one of collaboration and shared ambition. “ERS is here to support you in achieving your research goals and maximizing your societal impact,” he says. “Together, we can strengthen EUR’s position as a civic university and make a meaningful contribution to society.”
A personal touch: what drives Michiel
What truly motivates Michiel, however, is the opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and society. “I’m driven by the belief that universities have a vital role to play in addressing urgent societal issues,” he says. “Whether it’s through co-creation, transdisciplinary research, or innovative impact pathways, I’m committed to ensuring that the knowledge produced at EUR makes a real difference in the world.” Michiel is aware that this ‘bridging’ sometimes requires creativity and endurance. As concerns the latter, he can draw on another passion. Michiel is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running and cycling.
Curious to learn more about Michiel and his vision for ERS? Watch this short video to hear directly from him. To stay updated on ERS initiatives, events, and insights, be sure to follow Michiel on LinkedIn!
Michiel Besters and his vision for ERS
