University Professors are full professors who serve as role models in education, research, and valorization. They act as figureheads for TU/e, for example by making their voices heard in social debates. Bert Meijer (CE&C and BME) is Eindhoven's first University Professor: he was appointed in 2004.

What is different in the new profile (intranet)? First of all, a fourth pillar has been added to education, research, and valorization: leadership. “We see them as inspiring leaders who encourage others to grow,” says Rector Silvia Lenaerts.

Furthermore, University Professors must now also serve as role models in terms of Recognition and Rewards and the core values of TU/e. These values are: curious, open, respectful, and responsible, summarized as CORe. Recognition and Rewards refers to also appreciating scientists who excel in education and making an impact, in addition to those who excel in research.

Men

The TU/e intends to bring more diversity to the select group of University Professors. On one hand, in terms of gender—so far, only men have been appointed—and on the other hand, in terms of domain: do the professors excel in research, or rather in education or valorization?

Another new element is that each University Professor formulates a personal assignment based on their own interests and ideas, but which also contributes to the long-term goals of TU/e.

Term

There have also been some practical changes. From now on, you will no longer automatically remain active as a university professor until your departure or retirement, but will be appointed for a term of four years, followed by an evaluation. The Executive Board and the professor will then decide together on a new term. However, there is no maximum number of renewals.

The appointment of a University Professor involves several stages: after nomination by a dean or the Executive Board, the Internal Advisory Committee Prizes & Awards decides whether the candidate will be proposed to the Promotion Committee, which decides on the appointment. If the decision is positive, the lucky candidate will receive a fixed allowance from the Executive Board's funds in addition to their normal salary (paid by the faculty). In total, TU/e will appoint a maximum of six university professors.

Proud

There are currently three University Professors working at TU/e: Bert Meijer, mentioned above, René Janssen (CE&C), and Maarten Steinbuch (ME). The latter two were appointed in 2013, at the same time as Wil van der Aalst (M&CS) and Anthonie Meijers (IE&IS), neither of whom are still working at TU/e.

For Meijer, Janssen, and Steinbuch, nothing will change despite the implementation of the new policy. “They will continue to fulfill this position until their retirement. Their contribution is greatly appreciated, and we are proud of the powerful way in which they represent TU/e nationally and internationally,” said the rector.

The Executive Board has not yet announced whether new appointments are in the pipeline, and if so, who they concern and when they will start.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors represent and promote a specific theme or transition within TU/e. For example, Anna Wieczorek is the sustainability Ambassador and Ingrid Heynderickx is the Ambassador for integrity. TU/e has had Ambassadors in various capacities for some time, but with the new profile, the role is now formally anchored in university policy.

Ambassadors do not necessarily have to be scientists, but can also come from management or support roles. It is important that they are connectors and cross-pollinators, and that they are able to get a topic on the agenda of the Executive Board and the TU/e community. They are appointed for a term of one to four years, after which one extension is possible. The role comes with an allowance on top of the existing salary and a specific assignment from the Executive Board.

The Executive Board is also making no announcements about any new ambassadors—and associated strategic themes—at this stage, says Lenaerts. “It makes sense to leave this until the new institutional plan has been finalized.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.