The Supervisory Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam has appointed Prof.Dr. Rutger Engels as the new Rector Magnificus from 15 June, 2018. Professor Engels succeeds Prof.Dr. Huibert Pols, who will retire later this year. Professor Engels (1968) is currently President of the Board of Directors of the Trimbos Institute (since 2014) and Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Utrecht.
Professor Engels conducts leading research at international level, into the development and prevention of substance use and internalising problems amongst young people. Throughout his scientific career to date, he has received numerous grants and awards including the Radboud Science Award and several NWO and career grants. He has been awarded the prestigious Huibregtsen Prize in 2011 in recognition of the immense societal impact of his work.
Professor Engels studied Psychology at the University of Groningen and received his Doctorate degree from the University of Maastricht in 1998. After three years working at the University of Utrecht, he was appointed, in 2001, to the position of Professor at Radboud University Nijmegen where he also held the positions of Vice Dean of Research and Director of the Behavioural Sciences Institute.
Team player
Hans Smits, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “Rutger Engels is an internationally respected scientist whose background and profile make him an excellent fit for the Erasmus University. He is a team player who, through his personality and style of leadership, will inspire others and build bridges in our diverse and international academic community. He will, for example, continue to strengthen the Erasmus Initiatives. He is also well equipped to actively support and develop (young) talent. I have complete faith in his ability to make a great contribution to the plans and ambition of the Erasmus University.”
'Rutger Engels is a team player who, through his personality and style of leadership, will inspire others and build bridges'
Hans Smits, Chairman of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board makes this appointment after conducting a careful and thorough search and selection procedure. The profile for the new rector was drafted together with the university community. The broad Selection Committee comprised representation from the Executive Board, the College of Deans and the University Council. The (Confidentiality Committee of) the University Council advised positively on the intended appointment of Rutger Engels.
Rutger Engels: “I am privileged to become Rector Magnificus of this wonderful university. Much has been accomplished these last years and I will be very pleased to build forth on good foundations. I look forward to working together with my colleagues in the Executive Board, the Deans and the university community to further strengthen research and education in Rotterdam.”
Transfer of Rectorship
Rutger Engels has been appointed as Rector Magnificus for a period of four years. He will join Erasmus University on 1 May, 2018 and the transfer of the Rectorship will take place on 15 June, 2018. Professor Engels will also be appointed as Professor at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (ESSB). His remuneration is conform the current legally permitted standards ('Wet Normering Topinkomens').
Prof.dr. Huibert Pols (1952) is Rector Magnificus of the Erasmus University since 8 November 2013. In 2017, the Supervisory Board extended Professor Pols’ term of appointment to beyond the completion date of the Institutional Audit (‘Instellingstoets Kwaliteitszorg’) undertaken by NVAO. The definitive assessment report is expected in the spring.
The Supervisory Board is extremely grateful to Professor Pols for the manner in which he has fulfilled the role of Rector Magnificus Erasmus University, throughout his appointment.
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Press Office Erasmus University Rotterdam, + 31 10 4081216 or press@eur.nl
