At the traditional opening of the new academic year on 2 September, Annelien Bredenoord, as brand-new chair of the Erasmus University Rotterdam board, set out what is at stake if the announced cuts in higher education go ahead. ‘The announced cuts in combination with the Internationalisation in Balance Act are putting science, and therefore our country, in a very dangerous position,’ she warned Education Minister Eppo Bruins, who was present.
Penny wise, pound foolish
Eppo Bruins had his first public appearance as Minister of Education, Culture and Science in Rotterdam on this day. He spoke about the importance of well-educated people, calling education, knowledge and skills the basis for our society and the engine for the Dutch economy. In response to a question from moderator Desiree Hoving, he indicated that he will stick to the austerity assignment in the Headline Agreement. So it is far from certain that important pillars of science, such as sector plans or start-up and incentive grants for talented scientists, will continue to be funded.
'By rolling back permanent appointments of promising scientists or not taking their research to the next level with grants, you are hitting the biggest talents the hardest - and thus the future of science and innovation, the future of us all. We call that 'penny wise, pound foolish',' Bredenoord outlined the possible consequences of monster cuts in higher education.
‘I am incredibly concerned about the future of science’
Annelien Bredenoord
President of the Executive Board
‘I am incredibly concerned about the future of science, especially in this crucial period. Let us connect, not tear down. I trust that in this country we will not let it get to the point where the tower actually collapses,’ the new president of the Executive Board concluded.
The art of connecting
The theme of the meeting was 'The art of connecting'. This expressed itself at various levels. The cooperation with the Rotterdam mbo institution Albeda took shape as Albeda board member Simone Fredriksz spoke, where our President Bredenoord made a blazing speech full of pride during their annual opening that morning.
The podium also marked the departure of Ed Brinksma, who stepped down after a four-year term as President of the Executive Board. 'Like no other, he embodies the Erasmian value of "connecting",' spoke his successor Annelien Bredenoord.
Mpho Tutu (Anglican priest, speaker, author and daughter of Desmond Tutu) spoke about the philosophy of Ubuntu, which gives people insight into themselves and their connection to others. She inspired attendees to use Ubuntu at university too.
Award ceremonies
Awards are also traditionally presented at the beginning of the academic year.
The Student Societal Impact Award was presented to Ise Lau, by Gijs van Lookeren Campagne, chairman of the board of the Erasmus Trust Fund since 3 months. As a medical student, she mapped out how Erasmus MC can reduce the hospital's waste mountain.
The Sustainability Award was won by two students from Erasmus University College. Stefanie Essaadi and Emma Kibel designed a garden for EUC, a green oasis in the middle of the city. The award was presented by Executive Board member Ellen van Schoten.
Dr Pieter Tuytens and Dr Peter Marks won the Education Prize, for their extraordinary commitment to both students and teachers, specifically within the subject Economics, Welfare & Distribution. Viktor Bekkers, dean of their faculty Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, presented the prize.
Arthur De Jaeger was awarded the Rotterdam Thesis Award by councillor Faouzi Achbar for the thesis ‘Towards a Right to the Smart City? Citizen Participation in Rotterdam's Urban Digital Twin’, which he wrote for the master's degree in Metropolitan Issues and Policy.
Photos OAY 2024-2025
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Prior to the Opening Academic Year, the unveiling of Marije Vermeulen's mural ‘Hook-Ups’ took place. Albeda College was also represented here: two dance students performed.
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