For those who are unfamiliar with Aurora: could you explain in your own words what this network does and your role in it?
“Aurora is a network of nine European universities with similar ambitions, including VU Amsterdam, working together based on trust to create societal impact. And this isn’t just about delivering excellent education and research. It’s about using these to address societal challenges. With European funding, we organise activities and programmes for students and staff, such as our ‘laboratories of change’. VU Amsterdam is one of the founding members, and our Central Office is also located here on campus!
As Secretary General, my role is to ‘keep it all together.’ I do this with my Central Office team here at VU Amsterdam and support the chairs and (vice-)rectors in further developing the network.”
If you had to describe the partnership between Aurora and VU Amsterdam in one word, what would it be?
“In one word? Enrichment! The collaboration strengthens VU’s ambitions by working with international partners who share the same goals. Together, you can achieve more than a single university could accomplish on its own.
This trust and collaboration can ultimately lead to better education, greater influence at the European level, and increased access to European funding.”
If you could realize one dream project within Aurora, what would it be?
“My dream isn’t one large project but rather for Aurora to remain a laboratory for transformation. A place where, together with all partners, we can shape societal innovation through the power of higher education.”
How do you view the future of higher education, particularly considering societal challenges, the pressure on English-taught programmes in the Netherlands, and political uncertainty?
“Like many, I’m deeply concerned about the current political pressures on higher education in the Netherlands. Over decades, we’ve built an excellent reputation, partly thanks to our strong English-taught programmes. In my view, it’s a no-brainer that knowledge and innovation are crucial for the Netherlands’ future, and an international education and research community is indispensable for this. Aurora is one of many ways to make this happen.”
Are there examples that truly demonstrate what this network can achieve?
“Well, there are so many great initiatives to highlight! But for me, the core is the drive for innovation combined with value creation. What makes me particularly proud and inspired are the Community Service Learning programmes. In these projects, VU students work alongside students from Aurora partners and various stakeholders on urban challenges. It’s a powerful example of the strength of collaboration, something you can genuinely see and feel in practice.”
