Hans Brug appointed as the new UU President

When choosing Hans Brug (1963), Utrecht University went for a leader who has more than earned his spurs in academia. The new chair of the Executive Board currently directs the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), but he has had a long career at several Dutch universities, both as a scientist and an administrator.

After studying Human Nutrition in Wageningen, Brug obtained his PhD in Health Sciences in Maastricht, where he later became a professor. He also held chairs in Rotterdam and VU University Amsterdam. He still holds the position of Professor of Health Behaviour at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). 

As an administrator, Brug has served as the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at VU Amsterdam. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the VU Medical Centre. Before his appointment at RIVM in 2018, he was the dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.

Karin Laglas, Chair of the UU Supervisory Board, is delighted with his appointment. "Hans is an experienced, decisive and empathetic leader with broad academic experience. He is focused on collaboration and actively pursues strong connections and partnerships with the wider community. His approachable and energetic style is an excellent fit for UU, and we are convinced he is the right person for the role of President.” 

Brug was at the helm of RIVM during the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing nitrogen crisis. More than any other organisation, RIVM has noticed that scientific institutes no longer have authority, as they are increasingly being challenged by citizens, interest groups and politicians. 

As the RIVM director, Brug also had to deal with a difficult relocation dossier. The institute was supposed to move from Bilthoven to Utrecht Science Park in 2018, but the construction of the new premises ran into problems on several occasions. The building is now complete, but is not being used yet.

Hans Brug will succeed Anton Pijpers as UU President. Pijpers will retire on the first of November, after two terms. Pijpers was a member of the Executive Board for over ten years, initially as its vice-chair and, since 2017, as the chair. A former Veterinary Medicine graduate, Pijpers has been connected to UU for over forty years.

DUB asked the new UU President a few questions by email. The answers have been edited for clarity and length.

What sparked your interest in this position? 
'The Strategic Plan states almost literally that UU wants to help make the world a little better by contributing to solving the major challenges and problems of our time. The university intends to do this through cooperation, both within the Utrecht-based university community and with outside partners from the local to the international level. That is my mission. The common thread in my career is "knowledge for society". 
 
As the RIVM director, I experienced firsthand how essential sound scientific knowledge is for society and policy. This became clear in the nitrogen, COVID-19 and PFAS dossiers, among others. I also saw how that knowledge can come under pressure or be called into question, and how important cooperation is, including with universities – certainly including Utrecht University.   

A few of my close friends can confirm that when they asked me, "What would you like to do after RIVM?”, I answered without hesitation that I would raise my hand if the position of UU President became vacant. I find UU a magnificent and broad university. A very good university, too, but not overly boastful. It is an institution with a rich history, an equally rich future and a crucial role in the present.'

You will join UU at a time when Dutch universities are struggling, both financially and in terms of public perception. This context didn't deter you? 
'It only motivates me more. Society still has great confidence in science and scientists, but the social and broad political support for universities needs more attention. 

I see the tensions, of course. In previous positions, and certainly in recent years at RIVM, I have experienced how important it is to remain calm, especially when under pressure, and to continue to listen to each other and stay on course, especially when things get very busy.

I think that people who know me and have worked with me as a director will say that I'm not a "distant director”, but rather someone who is present, open, and receptive to dissent, to the point of seeking it out, especially when things get difficult. That's how I would like to continue working as the chair of the UU board.'

Do you have a connection with the city/region of Utrecht? 
'Absolutely. I really enjoy living in the province [Brug lives in Doorn, Ed.]. I come to the city often, and I chair the Supervisory Board of the non-profit Utrechts Landschap, which aims to make the province greener. I'm also a member of the Economic Board due to my capacity at RIVM, and my wife worked for the province of Utrecht for many years. Last but not least, I'm an avid cyclist, so I have explored every corner of the region.'

How will you prepare for your new position? 
'Over the next few months, before I start on the new position, I hope to get to know some of my future colleagues at Utrecht University a little better. A nice “induction file” is being prepared for me, which I will use to delve deeper into some background information about the university. But that is still just dry running, of course. I am looking forward to getting started, when the best and most important part of the introduction will begin: learning by doing.'