Strategic Plan Faculty of Science - 2017-2021 Excellent & Relevant - Faculty of Science
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Faculty of Science
Strategic Plan
Faculty of Science
2017-2021
Excellent & Relevant
1 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Contents
Foreword 3
Introduction 3
Chapter 1 Quality & Connection 5
Strategic choices, improvements and innovations
resulting from Strategic Plan 2013-2017 6
The Faculty of Science in 2017 8
Current challenges and opportunities 8
Objective and strategy 9
Chapter 2 Education 11
In 2021 14
Chapter 3 Research & Impact 17
In 2021 20
Chapter 4 Committed & responsible organisation 23
In 2021 24
2 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Foreword Introduction
I have the pleasure of presenting to you the Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021: Excellent The Strategic Plan 2017-2021 of the Faculty
& Relevant. In this plan, we look at the future of our faculty. We will continue to of Science focuses on further strengthening
guarantee excellent education and research at the Faculty of Science. Our quality is the quality of the faculty’s education
key to maintaining our competitive position in the international academic community. and research, reinforcing its profile and
bringing specialist research fields together
From this strong science base we aim at new solutions for the challenges faced in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and
by society in sustainability and life science. New dynamic interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations. This strategy
transdisciplinary connections are stimulated, with added value for the study further builds on the successful strategic line
programmes and research activities, and with the aim of addressing societal issues. the faculty set out in its Strategic Plan 2013-
2017. By continuing along this chosen path,
The pursuit of excellent and relevant science in education and research is and will the Faculty of Science aspires to strengthen
remain our core ambition. and expand its international status of
scientific excellence, while at the same time
On behalf of the board of the Faculty of Science, remaining relevant for all stakeholders as
well as financially healthy.
Gerrit van Meer
Dean The Faculty of Science is internationally
recognised for its excellent academic
staff and their scientific publications. It
is the faculty’s ambition to attain and
further extend its leading position in an
internationally competitive academic
community. Continued investments in the
quality of scientific and teaching staff, as
well as providing them with the facilities >>
3 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
and infrastructure necessary to thrive can-do statements, which concludes each education, research, social impact and
academically, will ensure a solid foundation chapter. Some of these can-do statements organisation, and management and staff
with scientific and societal impact. A solid have already been realised and will be participation. Their contributions vary from
disciplinary foundation is also essential fortified whereas others will be realised conceptual prospects to concrete results and
for making dynamic interdisciplinary and during the period of this Strategic Plan. have proved invaluable.
multidisciplinary connections with scientific The concrete fulfilment of the strategy
partners, both in academia and in industry, will be embedded in the faculty’s annual
particularly in the strategic alliances with management agenda (‘bestuursagenda’)
UMC Utrecht (Utrecht Life Sciences), and in the annual agendas of the schools UU Mission
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU and institutes. Each year, the management The university’s mission: Utrecht
Eindhoven), and the Netherlands Institute agenda will be discussed with the Heads University is working to contribute to
for Sea Research (NIOZ), and with other of Department, the Educational Advisory a better world. Our graduates have the
knowledge institutions on and off campus. Council (OWAR), the Research Advisory knowledge and skills to make a substantial
By teaming up with industrial and social Council (OZAR) and the Faculty Council. contribution to society. Our research is
partners in selected fields of research and ground-breaking and focused on solving
in education the faculty aspires to deliver Although the Faculty Strategic Plan follows major global issues. Our collaborative
alumni with the necessary skills and tools to the Strategic Plan 2016-2020 of Utrecht culture fosters innovation, new insights
excel both in academia, society and industry, University in its structure and mission, it and societal impact. The core values
as well as scientific publications relevant to is even more so the product of its staff of ambition, inspiration, commitment
society at large. and students. Many students, members and independence form the basis of our
of staff, faculty council members and university community.
The chapters on Quality & Connection, external partners were consulted during
Education, Research & Impact, and faculty meetings, meetings with Heads of
Committed & Responsible Organisation Department, and directors of education
provide an outline of pre-existing qualities and research. Mixed groups of students,
within the faculty followed by the faculty’s academic staff and support staff further
ambitions for 2021 in the form of a list of contributed specifically to the subjects
4 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Chapter 1 Quality & Connection 5 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
“A rising star at Utrecht University”: 1. Quality & Connection
Ingmar Swart wins UU Teacher Talent
Award 2016-2017 Over the period of the Strategic Plan 2013- Strategic choices, improvements
2017, the faculty profile has become more and innovations resulting from
Since the 1990s, Utrecht cohesive and has been reinforced, both the Strategic Plan 2013-2017
University has been awarding in content and in visibility. Currently, the
the Outstanding Teacher Award Faculty of Science is home to the strong Developments in Education - The
and the Teacher Talent Award to scientific disciplines Biology, Chemistry, faculty has invested in educational
outstanding teachers who engage, Information & Computing Sciences, innovation, and in improving the quality
challenge and motivate their Mathematical Sciences, Pharmaceutical and effectiveness of its education.
students. In 2017, Ingmar Swart Sciences, and Physics. The Freudenthal Developments such as blended learning,
was the winner of the UU Teacher Talent Award. Institute studies the science of education activating didactics, problem-based
and the history and philosophy of Science. learning, concept-context course design,
Ingmar Swart obtained a Master’s and a doctoral Within the faculty, scientists based in and digital testing have become integral
degree from Utrecht University and is currently various specialist research programmes parts of the teaching practice. Enrolment
an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics. work together, both in research and of talented Bachelor’s students in the
Ingmar’s vision on teaching and learning is based education. The faculty also has strong honours programme has more than
on the combination of research and education. He ties to other faculties of the university. doubled during this period. Various
applies this in such a way that his students become This is illustrated by the educational curricula have been reviewed and
enthusiastic about scientific research. Swart programmes, which are embedded in one improved, resulting in interesting new
actively involves students in research, and even his undergraduate school and four graduate specialisation areas in pre-existing
Bachelor’s students are full-fledged members of schools2, two of which are shared with Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
his research group. other faculties. In addition, the research Bio-Inspired Innovation, a new Life
of the faculty is organised in 11 research Sciences Master’s programme of high
In his teaching, Swart smoothly combines classical institutes3 and is embedded in the societal relevance was developed and
teaching methods with innovations such as voting university’s interdisciplinary strategic welcomed a first batch of freshmen
tools and pencasts. The jury described Swart as a themes and focus areas4. in 2016. On the other hand, degree
rising star of Utrecht University and applauded his
passion for educating the scientists of the future. 2 See https://www.uu.nl/en/education/studying-at-uu/educational-organisation
3 See https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/faculty-of-science/research/research-institutes
4 See https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile
6 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
programmes with few enrolments, such as Bioinformatics, Complex Systems Studies, Figure 1 Research profile in 2017
Astronomy, have been discontinued. Extra Future Food Utrecht and Game Research.
efforts in matching activities and student The faculty also participates in the focus
Li
mentoring have resulted in a significant areas Education for Learning Societies, fe
Sc
ie
increase in student success rates in the Future Deltas, History and Philosophy nc
es
Bachelor’s phase, based on re-enrolment of the Sciences and the Humanities, and
for nce
Foo
Life
e
d
success and graduation percentages. Neuroscience and Applied Data Science
Sci
Besides the ongoing efforts in quality and Utrecht. In the strategic themes and focus Ener
Reso gy & tics
effectiveness of education, the faculty areas, strong connections have developed urce
s Bio
info
rma
developed a teaching load model that across the borders of the specialist fields. Research
Faculty of
provides detailed insight into the affordability Excellent academics have been recruited
Science
of the course curriculum. within the strategic themes and focus areas ate Ga
mi
Clim ng
who at the same time strengthen and
Developments in Research - Over the past expand the disciplinary scientific base in the
Sys plex
few years, the faculty’s research has been institutes and the departments.
s
edu
Scie ation
tem
m
c
nce
y
Co
lit
clustered into three themes: Foundations bi
in
a
of Natural Sciences, Science for Life, Developments in finance and funding - Despite
a
st
Su
and Science for Sustainability (Future a reduction Li of structural resources at the start
fe
Energy & Resources and Water, Climate of the previous Sc strategic theme period, the
ie
& Ecosystems). As a consequence of this faculty has managed nc to remain an attractive
es
strategy, efforts in other research areas partner for external funding, and in some
for nce
Foo
Life
Research Institutes
e
have been discontinued. Our current profile areas external funding has grown significantly.
d
Sci
Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences
builds on the strong scientific fundaments One exceptional success story is the allocation Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research
Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity
in the research institutesEnerto work on various of the GravitytiProgrammes
s over the past few
Res gy & a c Institute of Environmental Biology
interdisciplinary societalochallenges
urce
s (see years in which
i n form the faculty plays a significant Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
Bio
Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht
figure 1). This profile corresponds to the Research role. The unique infrastructure of the faculty Institute for Subatomic Physics
university-wide strategic themes and Faculty
focus of has been significantly upgraded due to many Institute for Theoretical Physics
Mathematical Institute
areas. The faculty has invested considerablyScience successful grant applications both within Research Institute for Information and Computing Sciences
Freudenthal Institute
in the focus areas of theClim
university,
at e especially the university
Ga
mi and in (inter)national funding
ng
those which the faculty coordinates: schemes.
Sys plex
s
edu
Sci ation
tem
m
enc
c
y
Co
ilit
e
b
na i
ta s
Su
7 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
The Faculty of Science and for those scientists to successfully obtain Education - In the period between the academic
in 2017 external research funds in a highly competitive years 2010 and 2016, the total student
playing field faced with decreasing funding body in Dutch academia increased by 11%,
Current challenges and opportunities opportunities. At the same time, competition is with freshmen enrolments in Bachelor’s
National and international competition for an opportunity; it motivates the departments programmes increasing by 13% nationwide.
motivated students, talented academics, and and institutions, stimulates them to come up The Faculty of Science saw a similar increase in
funding is ever increasing. It is a challenge for with new ideas, pay serious attention to the its total student body but a marked additional
the faculty to increase (or even maintain) its quality of teaching, measure what they do, increase in enrolments in its Bachelor’s
national market share in student enrolments, seek (inter)disciplinary alliances with a variety programmes by 32%. Science is popular in the
successfully attract both young talented staff of partners, and benchmark themselves Netherlands. At the same time, more and more
and excellent senior lecturers and scientists, against their peers. international students are successfully finding
their way into the Master’s programmes, with
Highest scientific honour for Heck and Van Oudenaarden one in four students coming from outside the
Netherlands. Big themes such as sustainability,
Albert Heck and Alexander van Oudenaarden are considered entrepreneurship and societal relevance are
leaders in their fields. Both are pioneers in the field of increasingly important to staff and students,
biomolecular research, and conduct their research within who base their choice for Utrecht University at
Utrecht Life Sciences. In 2017, both have been presented least in part on the university’s efforts in these
with an NWO Spinoza Prize, the highest scientific honour in areas and their visibility in the faculty’s course
the Netherlands. In total the Faculty of Science has now 6 palette and research focus. With the advent of
Spinoza laureats among its researchers. more, but especially different kinds of students
with a variety of nationalities, interests
Albert Heck’s research focuses on identifying all of the proteins in the human body and the and abilities, the educational landscape at
role they play in our cells. This provides entirely new insights for research into disease and the faculty will also have to innovate, and
health, and offers opportunities for the development of new and better pharmaceuticals. already is innovating, towards more digital
and international classrooms as well as
Alexander van Oudenaarden studies how cells can develop into different types of cells, each differentiated didactics and curricula.
with their own specific characteristics and functions. He paves the way in the development
of new research methods, in which he combines techniques from developmental biology, Research - Demands for more societally
molecular biology, physics, mathematics and computer science. relevant research, and the shifting resources
8 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
that are invested in it, can be seen in the Powerful partnership in chemistry research for the future: ARC CBBC
demands from the National Science Agenda, Research Centre
the Top Sectors and in changes within the
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific “The world faces some major challenges, and we will need the right combination of scientific
Research (NWO). The faculty has a solid body insight and innovation in order to find answers to them”, says Bert Weckhuysen, professor of
of excellent disciplinary and interdisciplinary Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis and Distinguished Professor of the Faculty of Science.
scientists with academic impact and societal
impact on shorter or longer time scales. ARC CBBC, which stands for Advanced Research Centre Chemical Building Block Consortium, is
Opportunities will arise when these scientists a nationwide virtual research centre, which aims to initiate long-term collaboration between
and their research can be connected into the scientific and business communities. In addition to Utrecht University, the central location
research collaborations and think tanks that of the ARC CBBC, its founding partners include AkzoNobel, BASF, Shell, NWO, the Ministry of
are able to creatively work together in research Economic Affairs, the Topsector Chemistry and the universities of Eindhoven and Groningen.
areas of societal demand. Another important
factor in the success of acquiring external In the next 10 years ARC CBBC will use fundamental research to contribute to the solution of a
funding is close cooperation with businesses, wide range of societal issues, such as the circular economy, sustainable chemical processes and
government and societal organisations. clean energy production. The centre has the potential to create breakthroughs in sustainability
The faculty aims to seize the opportunity to by means of chemistry-driven research.
reinforce these ties in strategic areas over the
coming period. enrolments and to secure additional revenue Objective and strategy
from government and non-government The objective of the Faculty of Science is to
Finance - An increase in financial resources funding. These actions are rewarded in the attain and further extend its leading position
is needed to steer towards the goals for the new financial distribution model of the faculty, in an internationally competitive academic
future. In addition, the faculty’s current costs which conveys the relevant incentives of the community by investing in excellent research
for infrastructure are significant and it will university model. Proper governance by the and education. As the faculty’s course
remain a challenge for the faculty to manage faculty and its individual departments over curriculum ties into the expertise of our
the needs of its staff for specialised research the checks and balances in education and scientists, the faculty is attractive to both
infrastructure. However, in the next few years research, accompanied with strategic financial promising and already established talented
the faculty’s primary income will probably be planning, will be key in realising a stable and academics. The faculty’s research focuses on
stable at best. It will be essential to increase balanced financial situation during the period fundamental science in Biology, Chemistry,
the faculty income by increased student of this strategic plan. Information and Computing Sciences,
9 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and
Physics. From this strong scientific base we aim Science for Life at its best
at new solutions for the challenges that society Science for Life (S4L) is the collaboration between the four life sciences research
faces. institutes at the Faculty of Science: the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research,
the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, the Institute of Environmental
Biology and the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The strategy to achieve the ambitions builds on
the course the faculty has set in the past, and Truly novel approaches
focuses on two areas of activity: S4L explores the fundamentals of life through high-level research in the biosciences, aiming at
• The faculty invests in the quality of its future solutions for health and environmental challenges. A comprehensive understanding of how
education and research by scouting, biomolecules and cellular processes work in both healthy and diseased states is key to a better
understanding of life and may foster entirely novel solutions, for major societal challenges, such
recruiting, mentoring and developing
as bio-inspired sustainability strategies or sustainable food production. It also allows scientists
talent for both education and research. This working in animal, plant, and medical science to eventually develop truly novel therapeutic
draws a diverse, international and excellent approaches by inventing more effective medicines and early stage diagnostics strategies, or to
group of students and helps the researchers revolutionise bio-based technology by creating plants with improved qualities and microbes that
in the acquisition of personal grants. produce key materials.
• The faculty invests in the connection
Young Investigators Forum
of excellent academics and fields/ Celia Berkers is Assistant Professor of Biomolecular Sciences and a member of the Science for Life
disciplines in order to increase Young Investigators Forum. “To me”, Berkers explains, “the Young Investigators Forum is Science
the societal impact of its education for Life at its best: a fantastic platform to meet other young group leaders, to talk about working
and research. New multidisciplinary, together and to share experiences. The existence of this umbrella network encompassing all of
the different specialist fields is what makes Utrecht such an attractive place to do Life Sciences
interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary
research.”
partnerships are stimulated, with added
value for the study programmes and State-of-the-art science and technology community
research activities, and with the aim of In the next 5 to 10 years, S4L aims to create the scientific and technological base for methodologies
addressing societal issues. that will allow us to bring structural chemistry and biology to cellular levels, to truly merge
multiple ‘-omics’ technologies, to develop state-of-the-art computational and modelling
approaches and to integrate the knowledge generated by all these technologies in a systems biology
The Strategic Plan will be supported by the approach. This will provide the foundation for our increased understanding of biological processes
new financial distribution model of the faculty in health and disease, which will in turn bring therapeutic strategies and bio-based technologies to
which has been adopted in 2017 and which a next level and facilitate the discovery of new leads that may contribute to future innovations in
is anticipated to have a positive effect on the e.g. sustainable food production, use of ecosystem services or new drug therapies. The ultimate goal
is to be a leading state-of-the-art science and technology community that develops and provides
faculty’s finances.
open access to advanced technologies for high-level research in fundamental life sciences.
10 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021Chapter 2 Education 11 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Simulated pharmacies to prepare for the 2. Education leading scientists behind the faculty’s
real deal research are visible in the curriculum.
Utrecht University’s education is based In addition to the visible investment in
What makes a good
on a teaching and learning vision innovation and education, the faculty
community pharmacist?
built around a challenging learning places a strong focus on the expertise
Besides professional
climate and personal differentiation. of its lecturers, not only as experts
knowledge, a pharmacist
The Utrecht education model consists in their field, but also as qualified
must also be able to
of four key starting points: a clear teachers and classroom managers. The
interact with all kinds
distinction between the Bachelor’s faculty has a wide array of professional
of people, handle
and Master’s degree phases, freedom development opportunities for lecturers:
prescriptions, provide
of choice and flexibility, personal and teacher training workshops with a focus
pharmaceutical services
activating teaching methods, and teacher on blended learning, digitalisation,
to patients and contact physicians. This is exactly what
professionalization. The Faculty of demand-driven education, developing
first year Master’s students learn in the Pharmacy
Science organises its education based on a concept-context course or providing
Practice course. The course provides simulated
these principles. An internal education personal feedback, as well as various
pharmacies - with actors as patients – that serve as
quality assurance system (based on the opportunities for personal development
assessment centers where students work together in
Plan-Do-Check-Act-cycle) consisting of courses for lecturers.
a real life setting. All knowledge and skills developed
course and curriculum evaluations by
earlier in the Master’s programme need to be
students on the one hand, and active The faculty offers students a global
integrated. The course prepares students well for their
participation of staff and students in context and a stimulating learning
first clinical internship in a community pharmacy at
programme advisory committees, faculty environment that is inspiring for both
the end of the first year.
and school boards, and the faculty students and staff. Students are actively
council on the other hand, ensures involved in the faculty’s education
Lenneke Minjon, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical
continuous scrutiny of the quality of the through student associations, education
Sciences and lecturer of the course: “This course is
education. evaluations and student participation
challenging for most students. During the course it is great
bodies, but also because they participate
to see how the students develop their skills, integrate all
The ambition of the Faculty of Science in research in the labs of their professors.
their knowledge and how their self-confidence grows. At the
is to be an international leader in the As a result a strong community of
end of the course they are well prepared and ready for their
field of academic education in the exact students and staff arises, allowing
first internship.”
sciences, in which the focus and the all participants to provide a valuable
12 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021contribution to the further optimization of “And: action!” Studios and blended learning environments in the
the education. Our graduates are in demand; Teaching & Learning Lab
they are critical and innovative thinkers, with
Learning by gaming, designing a
attention to the role their field of expertise
microscope in class, printing with a 3D
plays in an increasingly complex society. The
printer or conducting experiments in
faculty achieves this by educating students to
a virtual lab environment: the digital
be flexible, experts in their field, and to think
possibilities for education are far from
beyond the limits of their own expertise. The
exhausted. Utrecht University invests
ambition is to deliver well-prepared young
considerable resources in blended
professionals who are capable of applying
learning, in which traditional forms of
the knowledge they have gained in a socially
lectures and seminars are combined with
relevant context.
an electronic learning environment, digital
testing, knowledge clips and augmented
A critical success factor in achieving our
reality.
ambitions is the faculty’s ability to attract
The Teaching & Learning Lab (TLL),
more Master’s students. To maintain a
which was developed by the Freudenthal Institute and Educate-it, a university-wide teaching-
financially stable faculty the income from
innovation programme and opened in November 2016, has the goal of using IT techniques
increased Master’s student enrolments
in education to provide an extra impulse, to test new forms of education and to study their
will become essential. To enlarge the total
effects.
Master’s student body we also have to
attract more international students. For
The new education laboratory consists of a studio and several flexible classrooms. These
this, the faculty needs excellent education
spaces can be augmented with facilities such as a 360-degree camera, a 3D printer, a smart
by inspiring teachers within stimulating
table and smartboards to accommodate the needs of a specific form of education. In the studio,
communities. These factors are also very
lecturers can record video knowledge clips by giving a presentation in front of a lightboard or a
important in the decision-making process
green screen.
of prospective students when they consider
Utrecht University for their study. A more
The TLL combines education and research and is also a place for secondary and higher
international student community will also
education lecturers, students and companies to come together and share their experiences
increase the quality of education and
with new teaching resources.
research.
13 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021In 2021 ……
… the curriculum is excellent, broad personnel work together to create … the faculty has a visible
and interdisciplinary. this optimal learning and teaching appreciation for academic lecturers,
1. The faculty allows students to become environment for both students and and the education is appealing to the
competent professionals through a lecturers alike. outside world.
balanced curriculum of disciplinary and 5. The faculty’s financial distribution model 1. The recruitment and development of
multi-disciplinary education in ratios that rewards education has led to optimal academic staff is attuned to the goals both
that suit the various disciplines. Alumni and efficient programmes. for research and education.
of the Faculty of Science are to a degree 2. Staff members have career opportunities
T-shaped professionals, i.e. skilled ... the faculty is a diverse and in teaching, with clear criteria.
disciplinary professionals with the ability international community of students 3. Educational expertise is developed and
to collaborate across disciplines with and staff. encouraged further and education role
experts in other areas. 1. The course selection meets the needs of models are more visible to students and
2. The faculty offers relevant education with the diverse student population. staff.
the most suitable and quality-enhancing 2. English taught Bachelor’s programmes 4. The faculty visibly conducts research into
teaching methods. For this we use small are offered in addition to the current its own teaching activities.
classes, learning technology and blended curriculum.
learning. 3. Lecturers are both skilled and competent … graduates are highly sought-after
3. Clear elective moments in the educational professional educators and mentors to for their contributions to society.
programmes facilitate a smooth flow groups from different disciplines and 1. All study programmes (curricula) include
throughout the course programme. cultural backgrounds. instruction on relevant and current
Students are informed and facilitated in 4. Both students and lecturers are developments in important areas such as
a clear and timely manner regarding the encouraged to attend exchange responsible conduct of science including
electives available within and outside the programmes to gain international scientific integrity, sustainability and
study programme. experience and build an academic (social) entrepreneurship.
4. Students experience a safe learning network. 2. All study programmes have coherent
environment and good academic curricula with distinct study paths,
career guidance, with room to learn in which students are trained in the
and experiment. Lecturers and support competencies society needs.
14 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021Complex System Studies: interdisciplinary collaboration through
educational initiatives
3. Real-life cases are used in education as
much as possible. “Strengthening interdisciplinary
4. The Life Long Learning curriculum is collaboration through
custom-tailored to meet the needs educational initiatives is one
of society. The curriculum is aimed at of our strategic priorities”,
professionals who wish to acquire new says Henk Stoof, Professor of
skills and expertise. Theoretical Physics and leader of
5. More students graduate with a Master’s of the focus area Complex Systems
Science in Education in a science subject in Studies (CSS).
order to meet the demands of the Dutch
secondary school system. Since the start in 2014, CSS has
developed a successful Summer
School programme and a 30 EC
Master’s profile. The latter is
offered to students of several
Graduate Schools across Utrecht
University.
CSS has also begun offering complexity education to Bachelor’s students. A minor Complex
Systems is being designed for Bachelor’s students.
CSS educates students to look at complex societal issues from an interdisciplinary modelling
perspective, preparing them to work in interdisciplinary teams in either research or the
industry. “It’s fascinating to learn that students from other disciplines have a different
perspective at complex systems”, is an often-heard comment from enthusiastic students.
By bringing together staff from different disciplines in teaching initiatives and in joint
supervision of Master’s theses, several new collaborations have started and many more will
follow.
15 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021First S.M.A.R.T. activities (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Apply for NVAO accreditation for the joint European Master’s Programme in
Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology
• Start a multidisciplinary Master’s degree Applied Data Science in 2018/2019
• Start an international Bachelor’s degree Life Sciences in 2019/2020
• Further develop and implement the criteria for teaching career opportunities in the faculty
• Implement an ‘Expert Mentor’ system through which senior experts coach novice lecturers
• Centrally position the Teaching and Learning Lab in educational research into the faculty’s
own teaching activities
Indicators 2021 (compared to academic reference year 2016/2017)
• 10% of the Bachelor’s students participate in an Honour’s programme
• 10% of all students participate in a form of education in entrepreneurship
• 20% of the students in the Master’s programmes of the Graduate School of Life Sciences and
25% of the students in the Master’s programmes of the Graduate School of Natural Sciences
are international
• In 2021 the student cohorts enrolled in a Master’s programme of the Graduate School of
Natural Sciences have increased in size by 5%
16 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021Chapter 3 Research & impact 17 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
3. Research & Impact
The Faculty of Science wants to remain at the
international forefront of science. It wants to
develop into a thriving centre of world-class
scientific discovery and innovation that is
also renowned for its contributions to solving
societal issues. For this, it needs to attract
and foster talent, if possible the best from all
over the world. In addition, the faculty needs
to be competitive in acquiring funding both
from within the university and on the external
Female talent with leadership potential: the Westerdijk Fellowship market.
To increase gender diversity among the scientific staff, Utrecht University has established the The core of the research strategy is therefore
Westerdijk Fellowship. This special tenure track position is intended to attract outstanding to reinforce the research quality, to continue
female talent with leadership potential. The Faculty of Science recently appointed two ground-breaking research and to connect
assistant professors as Westerdijk fellows: Carolin Kreisbeck and Damaris Schindler. disciplinary fields based on appealing and
relevant research themes. Fundamental
“I’m excited to work as a Westerdijk fellow,” says Damaris Schindler. “The position comes research in biology, chemistry, information
with a good balance between research, teaching and other tasks at the department. I’m and computing sciences, mathematics,
looking forward to being a part of this very active community in Utrecht.’’ pharmaceutical sciences, and physics will
remain the foundation. Such disciplinary
“The fact that the fellowship is an appointment especially for women is a very positive research will lead to new insights that will have
thing”, adds Carolin Kreisbeck, “but the main reason I chose to come to Utrecht is because of societal impact mostly in the long term. In
the good match between me and the institute. Here, I can benefit from a very active research addition, the faculty constantly looks outwards
environment, and my research adds some new aspects to the profile of the Mathematical to society at large, to remain sensitive of
Modelling group. I think this is just perfect for both parties.” societal issues and needs. The research
is conducted in close collaboration with
businesses and societal organisations, which
18 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021allows the results of fundamental research to Systems Studies, and Game Research. The
be used in practical applications. The faculty themes have established new links between
operates within a network of (inter)national disciplines and created new communities,
outstanding knowledge partners. which has resulted in scientific innovations
and new teaching programmes. The faculty
The complexity of societal issues requires will take on the challenge of enhancing the
multi-disciplinary approaches. The faculty societal impact of research and offering Utrecht Center for Game Research
holds a unique position as it is home to a tangible solutions for the future. Games play an increasingly important
wide range of fundamental and applied role in many societal areas. They allow
sciences that work together in dynamic Our researchers will bring in research grants players to practise, experiment, research,
partnerships. This diversity renders the based on the excellence of their science. and learn in a safe and motivating
organisation versatile when faced with new Attractive themes that appeal to innovative environment. The Utrecht Center for
developments in the funding landscape, like ambitions of partners will provide more Game Research performs interdisciplinary
the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific impact and are expected to significantly research on gaming and playful
Research (NWO), governmental agencies or increase the income from government interaction with a focus on the domains
the EU, in the interface with industry such as funding allocated by the Netherlands Games for Learning, Games for Health, and
the Top Sectors, or in questions from society Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) Games for Change.
as formulated in e.g. the National Science and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts
Agenda. and Sciences (KNAW), from EU funding and The interdisciplinary community Game
from contract funding over the next period. Research brings together researchers from
In multidisciplinary research themes scientists The earning capacity of the faculty is boosted amongst others computer science, media
utilise their expertise in order to work in by the university via its financial distribution studies and education and psychology.
dynamic networks to increase their impact model that rewards external funding. In Remco Veltkamp, Professor of Multimedia:
and visibility, and to connect with external the new strategic plan period, 2017-2021, “It is our mission to employ games to help
parties. The faculty will invest in the university this incentive is passed on to the Science solving large societal challenges. Games are
strategic (sub)themes Sustainability, Deep departments via the distribution model of the pre-eminently suitable to inform, motivate,
Decarbonisation of the Energy System, faculty. appeal to emotion, and influence behaviour.
Future Food, Water, Climate & Future Deltas, Games, as designed experiences, do that
Utrecht Life Sciences, Science for Life, and Research infrastructures are crucial for better than other types of media.”
in the focus areas Bioinformatics, Complex innovations in science, and therefore key
19 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021factors in attracting talent and funding. The the faculty will devise sustainable strategies In 2021 ……
Faculty of Science has advanced and unique for the infrastructural platforms. Where
infrastructures, especially in (structural) possible, open access must be organised for … the faculty’s research is excellent,
biology, in material sciences and in complexity institutional users. For industrial users, access and the faculty ranks competitively
and IT-based research. It is essential that should in principle be on a full-cost basis in its chosen research fields.
these can be operated, maintained, upgraded and should promote co-innovation between 1. New staff is recruited and professors
and eventually replaced. In consultation with research and industrial communities. When are appointed with excellent qualities,
the university, other stakeholders such as financial accountability on the long term is including leadership, an outward
partner universities, and the Netherlands uncertain, the faculty must decide whether to orientation, vision and knowledge transfer.
Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), continue the facility. 2. The succession of academic positions
upon scientists’ retirement or departure
World-class Life Sciences research: the Utrecht Bioinformatics Center (UBC) is no longer a matter of course. New
positions are utilized strategically.
Big data: no research can afford to ignore this new field. “That is why the UBC is working to
3. A structural approach is in place to scout,
help current and future generations of scientists develop the bioinformatics skills they need in
recruit, coach and develop talent.
the field of Life Sciences. Their efforts will help ensure that Utrecht Life Sciences research can
4. The societal and scientific impact of the
maintain its position among the world’s best”, says Berend Snel, Professor of Bioinformatics.
research has grown.
In order to achieve this goal, the UBC
… the faculty’s expertise platforms
has brought together all of the excellent
with research infrastructure are up
bioinformatics groups and scientists our
to date and sustainable.
campus holds to create a bioinformatics
1. A process of designing sustainable
community that is clearly visible to the
strategies for the research platforms leads
outside world. Within this active community,
to a roadmap with smart decisions about
new partnerships in the areas of education,
the future of these platforms. Where
research and IT-infrastructure have been
necessary, this is arranged at the national
built, with the Bioinformatics Master’s
level.
profile and the High Performance Computer
2. Investments have been made in a
as two excellent examples.
selection of unique expertise platforms
20 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021with research infrastructure that attracts Researchers from all seven faculties working
talented graduate students, excellent together: Future Food Utrecht
researchers, partners and funding.
“By integrating fundamental research from different
3. The cooperation within communities and
disciplines, we try to create pathways that lead to
the utilisation of facilities is optimized by
transformative changes in the global food system”, says
clustering research within the faculty’s
Rens Voesenek, Professor of Plant Eco-Physiology.
buildings.
4. Research facilities have an open access
Researchers from all seven faculties work together in the interdisciplinary community Future
structure and a fee structure depending
Food Utrecht. New, innovative solutions are created throughout the entire food chain by
on the user.
bringing together biologists, pharmacists, psychologists, urban geographers, (veterinary)
5. All groups work together with even more
physicians, linguist experts, economists, lawyers and public administration scholars.
of the world’s best international partners
and scientists.
Creating a transition towards a more sustainable global food system calls for an integrated
food systems approach. That in turn requires thoughtful co-creative leaders in government,
... the faculty is diverse and
industry and universities. It is the ambition of the Future Food community to train future
international.
food academics by developing education that integrates different scientific approaches on
1. The faculty is composed of a diverse
food systems. Engaging with stakeholders from business and social organizations will enable
academic community in the broadest
Future Food to develop pathways towards a sustainable, healthy, acceptable and accessible
sense of the word.
food supply for future generations.
2. All scientific staff has spent relevant
research or teaching time at a university
abroad. ... new interdisciplinary partnerships & Future Deltas, Utrecht Life Sciences,
3. All services and facilities are available in based on strong fields of expertise Science for Life, and in the focus areas
Dutch and English. provide added value for science and Bioinformatics, Complex Systems Studies,
4. The faculty is considered as an important society. and Game Research.
LERU (League of European Research 1. There are strong communities in the 2. New connections are created between
Universities) partner, visible by student strategic subthemes Sustainability, research groups in order to meet the
exchange, joint degree programmes, joint Deep Decarbonisation of the Energy demands of society at large, e.g. in the
research projects and shared interests. System, Future Food, Water, Climate area of data science.
21 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-20213. Researchers from a variety of fields First S.M.A.R.T. activities (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
(communities) work together in consortia • All tenure trackers will complete a development programme
with other universities, businesses, • Based on the recommendations of the external research assessments all research
societal organisations and the institutes will make action plans
government. • The selection boards professionalize their selection procedure by using standard
4. The societal and scientific impact of the measuring instruments to interview and evaluate candidates and are aware of their biases.
research has grown. They will be trained on this subject
5. All research institutes and focus areas • An infrastructure road map will be drawn up
have an approach to contribute to societal • Within the Science for Life and pathways to Sustainability hubs, groups from the faculty
impact. will participate and collaborate with the hub partners
6. Staff is encouraged to contribute to social • Each department will phrase an ambitious objective to enlarge the percentage of female
debate and to come into contact with assistant professors, associate professors and professors
society at large. • All research institutes will define their ambition and strategy pertaining to social impact
prior to the mid-term review. These will then be discussed in annual meetings and
… financial resources of the faculty evaluated during the mid-term and external audits.
have increased
1. The introduction of the faculty’s financial Indicators 2021
distribution model with incentives that • On quality all research institutes receive evaluations of 1 (excellent) in the next external
reward external funding has led to an research assessments
increased financial turnover. • On relevance and viability all research institutes receive evaluations of 1 (excellent) or 2
2. External project revenues have increased. (very good) in the next external research assessment
• The faculty has at least 20% female professors
• The faculty’s external funding has grown by at least 10%. This means that in 2021 the
faculty will generate approx. 5 M€ more income from externally paid projects than in 2016
22 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021Chapter 4 Committed & Responsible Organisation 23 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021
Communicating in a global 4. Committed & Responsible Organisation
language
The Faculty of Science is a faculty of equal bodies such as the Faculty Council, Boards of
Scientific research and education takes opportunity that aspires to offer an attractive Studies and Education Councils.
place in an international context. This has working and learning environment for its
long been an accepted fact in research, but staff and students. It is the faculty’s objective In 2021 ……
it is becoming increasingly apparent that to create an inclusive environment in which
our educational activities should educate staff and students are committed to the ... staff and students are encouraged
students to be citizens of the world, with principles of professional behaviour and to reach their full potential.
a future in a global setting. The Master’s integrity. As a community of scholars and 1. Talented staff participates in the Leadership
degree programmes offered are fully professionals, the faculty strives to embody Programme for academic and support staff
English taught and an increasing number the characteristics of responsibility, honesty, and talented students participate in various
of Bachelor’s courses within our faculty respect, fairness, and trust in professional honours programmes.
are offered in English. lives. The faculty is also committed to 2. All staff has ample opportunities for
fostering a working environment that professional development tuned to their
We also have a bilingual news service, to encourages and supports unrestrained needs.
serve both our Dutch and our international scientific inquiry and the free and open 3. All future leaders have the opportunity to
readers and the faculty newsletter is exchange of ideas that are the hallmarks of attend the ‘Support program for future
entirely in English. Furthermore, the academic freedom. Consistent with these leaders’.
employee participation body is open overriding and fundamental principles and 4. To reflect on their own development, all
to the idea of introducing English as commitments, the faculty seeks to create tenured staff participates in the ‘Feedback
the lingua franca, so that non-Dutch an environment in which members of the for Professional Development Program’
speakers will be able to participate in the community are respectful of individuals and every five years.
various councils and committees. In a individual differences and in which everyone 5. In addition to education and research,
faculty where people from many different is committed to the Utrecht University Code activities are geared towards a broader
nationalities work together, of Conduct. public; although not all staff projects have
we consider it only natural societal impact and entrepreneurship as
to communicate in a global The Faculty of Science values input from its their primary goal, these aspects are part of
language. staff and students and actively encourages the general focus of the faculty.
staff and student participation in official
24 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021... staff and students make up a Working group IMPACT: From science to societal impact
strong scientific community. It’s one thing to make scientific discoveries and explore unknown areas to expand our
1. Staff and students are committed to the
knowledge, but it’s just as important to make it relevant to society. Society demands that
principles of professional behaviour and
investments in research and education contribute to our economy, our well-being and our
integrity as formulated in the Utrecht
planet. Therefore the working group IMPACT is such a great initiative.
University Code of Conduct.
2. There are meeting rooms for students and
IMPACT has been initiated by Guido van den Ackerveken, Professor of Translational Plant
staff to facilitate community building.
& Microbial Biology, to improve and expand the interaction with society. IMPACT aims to
3. Student associations play a vital role in the
further increase societal impact by exchanging best practices between the 11 Faculty of Science
community.
research institutes, and by creating more awareness
4. Staff and students are involved in
and skills. “Within the faculty there are already great
various faculty projects, and the faculty
examples of how research and education contribute to
communicates to all stakeholders
society — something we definitely need to showcase.
and participants how their input has
Through IMPACT we can inspire each other to bring
contributed.
our discoveries a step further; from informing the
5. The boards of student associations,
general public to expanding collaborations with
student board members and student
industry and other stakeholders. It would be great if
members of staff participation bodies
this would also help to keep our fundamental research
work to increase student involvement in
alive and kicking!”, says Van den Ackerveken.
the faculty.
6. Teams of lecturers take responsibility for
the curricula. ... staff and student representation is 4. All members of representation bodies
7. Alumni are actively involved in and part professional. have the opportunity to complete a course
of the faculty community. In this way 1. Staff and students are actively involved in on representation skills.
they actively contribute to the ongoing the faculty’s decision-making process. 5. Representation bodies are asked for
development of the faculty’s educational 2. Representation is arranged at all levels of advice or approval in a timely manner,
programmes and form a linking pin responsibility. provided with full information and the
between industry and society and 3. The representation subcommittees have board gives feedback on how their input
academic research. a uniform work method, rights and duties has contributed.
within the faculty.
25 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021… the faculty contributes to society. First S.M.A.R.T. activities (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
1. Life-long learning courses are offered based • The Support program for future leaders will extend its programme with workshops on
on society’s needs. The course curricula are relevant themes on (academic) leadership
developed using input from society. • A project will be initiated to standardise the work method for representation in
2. The faculty is more sustainable through subcommittees
climate neutral educational facilities and a • New employees will receive an informational package explaining the rules and procedures,
paperless office and education policy. with an invitation to an introductory meeting
3. Students and staff are aware how they can • Internship opportunities for support staff are created in order to improve comprehensive
contribute to a more sustainable faculty and flexible support
and university. • A pilot project on the use of contracts eliminating the need for leave time registration will
4. The number of science-based start-ups has be conducted, involving agreements with employees on results to be achieved
increased.
Indicators 2021
... the organisation is effective, • At least 5% increase in staff satisfaction compared to 2016
efficient and flexible. As such • All positions for student and staff representation are filled (Faculty Council and the
it provides optimal support for subcommittees, Study Programme Committees)
research, education and valorisation. • Increase of 20% in the number of science-based start-ups compared to 2016
1. The newly formed Faculty Institute for
• At least 80% of the staff has had an Assessment and Development interview
Interdisciplinary Education has been
instated and is the organisational unit in
which the interdisciplinary programmes media, to reduce the administrative 6. Multi-disciplinary operational support
are coordinated and financed. burden. teams with expertise from a variety
2. In order to reduce administrative 4. Student associations, student board of services work together for optimal
workload, staff members are asked to members and students in representation support for interdisciplinary education and
report on staff, financial and compliance bodies contribute to the faculty’s research themes.
requirements only when necessary. communication with students. 7. The faculty has a flexible pool of project
3. All staff and students are critical about 5. A suitable and affordable IT research managers or event managers.
which information we share with one infrastructure is in place to work with large
another, with whom we share the data files and to facilitate sustainable data
information and via which communication storage.
26 Strategic Plan | Faculty of Science 2017-2021You can also read
