President of the Board Sibrandus Poppema appointed for new four-year term

The Supervisory Board of the University of Groningen has reappointed Prof. Sibrandus Poppema for a new four-year term as President of the Board of the University of Groningen as of 1 September 2012. The new term will run until 1 September 2016.

Mr Rein Jan Hoekstra, chair of the Supervisory Board, praised the inspirational way that Poppema has led the University of Groningen over the last four years. ‘The international position of the University has been strengthened, its competitiveness has increased, the individual quality of the researchers and lecturers is being stimulated and the University is offering students a challenging environment in which success is rewarded. Valorization of the knowledge of the University is being tackled head on together with the UMCG.’ Hoekstra notes that the University of Groningen is in a good position, as revealed by its climb in the international rankings. Publications in the press also reveal that the University is the best employer in its sector.

In the coming years the University will be facing new opportunities and challenges. Poppema points to the increase in international competition: ‘The University of Groningen is ready for the fray. We are financially healthy and our researchers are performing very well in EU programmes.’ What is important here is that the Board of the University and the faculties have made clear choices for Healthy Ageing, Energy, Sustainable Society and top research, including at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.

Social developments in the field of education are paid extensive attention in University policy. Poppema: ‘We offer a stimulating environment to students who are willing and able to study and outstanding students will be offered additional challenges. Contacts with alumni and other involved parties in society contribute to the power and visibility of the University.’

Prof. Poppema has many international contacts. He was recently appointed honorary consul for the Republic of Korea, and he is a board member of the Association of Arab and European Universities (AEUA).

The appointment as of 1 September is an interim appointment after the first period of four years. The original term of appointment was six years and would have ended in 2014, when Poppema turned 65. The new appointment is partly made in the light of changing social attitudes to the age at which people end their official career.

As of 1 September 2012, Poppema will receive a salary in line with the 2012 WNT norm.