The launch of the new strategic direction was the focus of the festive Opening of the Academic Year (OAY). Strategy 2030 provides focus and will serve as our compass in the coming years. "We are convinced that our research and education are strengthened by close interaction with society,' said Annelien Bredenoord, chair of the Executive Board. The other speakers also referred to the importance of cooperation with the city and society.
In her speech, Bredenoord outlined the course that will guide us in the coming years. "We want to develop into an Engaged University. Firstly, this means that everything we do as a university is inextricably linked to society. Secondly, being an Engaged University means that we enter into sustainable, reciprocal, equal and inclusive relationships with our environment. We conduct science that not only analyses or explains, but is also involved and actively contributes to solutions.
What can you call the university about?
Chairman Bredenoord often uses the phrase: 'What can people call Erasmus University Rotterdam for?' The new strategy helps with this: 'In times of political turbulence, you need to have one clear answer. For us, that answer is five impact areas. That is where we can make a difference for Rotterdam, the Netherlands and the world.'
'Being an Engaged University demands a lot from us. It requires an open, self-reflective and learning attitude, in which we recognise that only together we can understand and tackle the complex issues of our time. We want to work together without barriers between disciplines, departments, campus and society in order to move forward. Because we are convinced that our research and education are strengthened by this close interaction with society.'
"Science cannot exist without society. And society cannot exist without science"
Carola Schouten
Mayor of Rotterdam
Three pieces of advice from the mayor
Mayor and alumna Carola Schouten spoke on stage about the "bridge" that the university should be: 'Science cannot exist without society. And vice versa. Universities must show that knowledge matters. Especially now. Rotterdam has a wonderful symbol for this purpose: the Erasmus Bridge. It connects north and south. But a bridge does more than just connect. It offers you a different perspective. You see the city differently from the bridge. That is what the university should be too. A bridge between the city and the world. Not only sharing knowledge, but also listening. And that is what the university has chosen to do with its new Strategy 2030.'
The mayor followed this up by giving the university three tasks:
- Keep listening. To questions in society. Seek out the people of Rotterdam. What is going on? Only when you really hear what is going on can you help find solutions.
- Keep explaining. Carefully explain how science works. Why it matters. Why doubt and debate help us move forward. Trust in science does not come automatically.
- Keep connecting. Between the city and the world. The big issues require cooperation. You won't find the solution within a single field of work.
Connection between vocational education and university
Researcher Kayla Green demonstrated how she already seeks to connect with society in her work. Together with colleagues, she launched the YoungXperts platform, where scientific knowledge is translated into accessible information for young people. 'Young people are given an active role in various phases of the research process. Scientists are not only ones who know something or possess knowledge. Science is everywhere and for everyone. Especially for young people.'
In addition to being a researcher at the university, she is also Equal Opportunities Practor at Albeda. ‘A practor in vocational education is what a professor is here at the university. With the Equal Opportunities practorate, we strive for a future in which vocational education is recognised as a powerful place for knowledge development and social innovation. In this way, we are building an inclusive society in which equal opportunities for all young people are a matter of course, both within and outside education.’
Kayla Green invited Jamal Lachkar, founder of Life After School (LAS), onto the stage. Green's SYNC Lab has started an important collaboration with LAS. They coach young people in vocational education in their personal development, under the motto: ‘If only I had learned that at school!’. ‘Jamal is someone who is committed to helping young people in the Netherlands, especially those whose voices are too often forgotten,’ says Green.
Award ceremonies
At the start of the academic year, various awards are also presented.
Master's student Ralph Ivar Berkman receives the Student Societal Impact Award for his foundation L'Oiseau Bleu. With this foundation, he aims to bridge the gap between special education and further education. In his role as an expert by experience, Ralph Ivar offers an eight-week course for students in special secondary education who want to move on to vocational, higher professional or university education. The award was made possible in part by the Erasmus Trust Fund.
Dr Anderson Mora Cortes, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience at Erasmus University College (EUC), has been named winner of the Erasmus University Education Prize. He receives the prize for his work in organising the Brain Awareness Week events in Rotterdam. The event aims to inform and educate both young and old about how our brains work. The prize was made possible in part by the Erasmus Trust Fund.
Pictures Opening Academic Year 2025/2026
- More information
The event was hosted by Nizar El Manouzi, a student at our university and well-known as the presenter of Het Klokhuis. The student band Empa Nadas provided the music.
- Related content
- Related links
- Everything about Strategy 2030
Interview at EM with university chair about new strategy
