FGGA in 2024: This was the year of our faculty
2024 was a remarkable and eventful year for the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. In this year overview, we look back month by month at the key events and developments.
January
The year begins with good news: a step towards equal opportunities for all students. The first FGGA named fund provides support to first-generation students, focusing on recognition, guidance, and a new course in the Honours College. With this initiative, FGGA takes a tangible step towards creating equal opportunities for everyone.
The Young Academy, a dynamic platform of researchers from diverse disciplines committed to the future of science, welcomes two new members from Leiden, including Joris van der Voet from FGGA. Van der Voet investigates how civil servants prioritise societal issues and develop policies that better align with the needs of citizens.
February
During the Dies Natalis, the Leiden University Thesis Awards are presented annually, with each faculty selecting its best thesis. This year, FGGA chose Leah Beekhuizen for her thesis: ‘The joys or burdens of radical fellow advocates’.
On 23 February, the symposium ‘War in Europe: the impact of Russian aggression in Ukraine two years on’ took place, bringing together Dutch, Ukrainian, and international experts to discuss the situation in Ukraine two years after the Russian invasion. The key message was to persevere and work together towards stronger defence.
March
In March, several key appointments were made: Monica den Boer was installed as professor by special appointment Police Studies, a chair established in collaboration with the National Police. Additionally, Judi Mesman was appointed as distinguished professor at Leiden University with responsibility for strategic themes within the university. She holds the chair in Social Responsibility and Impact, with a focus on social justice. Together with colleagues, she developed the new minor ‘The (Un)Just Society’.
On 18 March, Professor Frits van der Meer officially bid farewell with a valedictory lecture in the Academy Building in Leiden, where he delivered his final lecture to a packed auditorium.
The FGGA Choir held its first rehearsal on Tuesday, 26 March, and will continue to rehearse every two weeks. This initiative was started by Bibi van den Berg, Anneleen van der Meer, and Jolien van Breen. Staff members can still sign up via choir@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.
April
In April, third-year Security Studies students presented their policy ideas to experts from organisations such as Schiphol, NATO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based on a pre-assigned case study. One of the experts remarked: 'Who knows, they might join us in the future!'
The Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) received accreditation for the new Dutch-taught bachelor’s programme Cybersecurity & Cybercrime, starting in The Hague in 2025. The programme, combining public administration, computer science, criminology, and law, was highly praised. The accreditation panel commended the multidisciplinary approach, the quality of the preparations, and the team’s enthusiasm. Bibi van den Berg: 'Leiden University will be the first in Europe to offer a full bachelor’s degree in this field.'
Students and staff were also given a sneak peek of the future university building at Spui in The Hague. During a tour of the building, which was still undergoing extensive demolition work at the time, they gained an impression of what the building will look like in 2025.
Maarja Beerkens was appointed as interim vice-dean of the faculty, following years of experience as an associate professor and director of education. She shared her enthusiasm about her new role and emphasised how proud she is of the faculty's lecturers and students.
The Mindfulnest, a space for relaxation and mindfulness, was opened on the fifth floor of Beehive. Students can unwind here with meditation, relaxing music, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Professor Marieke Liem presented her book 'Mythen over Moord', in which she challenges misunderstandings about deadly violence in the Netherlands.
May
In May, Dick Schoof, former director of the NCTV, was named as the proposed new Prime Minister of the Netherlands. He has close ties with Leiden University close ties with Leiden University, where he supported PhD research in cybersecurity, among other initiatives.
Researchers from Leiden University, including Olaf van Vliet, have demonstrated that migrants cost less than is often believed. Their contribution to public finances is more positive in many European countries than that of the native population.
June
As the FGGA students wrap up the final stages of the academic year, we asked them to reflect on their experiences, share their tips, and reveal their summer and future plans.
Eleven lecturers from Leiden University have received Comenius teaching grants to implement an innovation project in their own teaching, alongside their project teams. From FGGA, Min Cho and Jyothi Thrivikraman from LUC received this grant for EcoConnect: a journey of resilience and environmental education.
Minister Ollongren gave her farewell speech at Wijnhaven, after 2.5 years as Minister of Defence, addressing the students in the room: 'You have to take over'.
The Intelligence and Security Threat Monitor was presented by several researchers from ISGA, discussing the current threats in the Netherlands.
Both Ben Kuipers and Sjoerd Keulen delivered their inaugural lectures this month. Ben Kuipers emphasised that leadership is not limited to formal positions or hierarchical relationships, but is something to which everyone can contribute. Sjoerd Keulen argued that it is precisely when scandals occur that society is doing well, as this makes democracy more resilient.
July
Toon Kerkhoff will be appointed as Director of Education for Public Administration starting 1 July.
Sixteen master's students are joining forces with the Hauge Police force to solve a cold case, providing new leads in a real criminal case.
In his inaugural lecture, Bas Rietjens states that ‘Intelligence and security services need to adapt urgently to their constantly changing environment.'
In response to the announced budget cuts in higher education, scientists have launched a campaign, with various researchers highlighting the importance of research and higher education during lunchtime pitches.
Olaf van Vliet, Sarah Giest, and Lars van Doorn received an NWO grant for research into public support for the hydrogen transition.
August
In August, it is time for the HOPweek again: 850 first-years students get to know the city. From relaxing by the sea to a speech by the mayor; through this introduction week, students who will be studying in The Hague not only get to know the city but also each other at a fast pace.
Marco Cinelli wins the 2024 EURO Award for his paper on decision analysis at the European Conference on Operational Research in Copenhagen.
The collaboration between FGGA and the Faculty of Military Sciences (FMW) of the Netherlands Defence Academy is being further expanded. FGGA and FMW will jointly conduct research and develop education in the fields of War Studies, Defence, and Security Governance.
LUC is also strengthening its collaborations and announces a new partnership with TU Delft. This collaboration combines Delft's technical expertise with LUC's Global Challenges approach.
September
Koen Caminada has been appointed by the Executive Board as Dean of the Faculteit Governance and Global Affairs, with the appointment taking effect from 1 September for a period of four years.
Jan Aart Scholte receives an NWO grant for his research on the role of 'multistakeholder' collaboration in global issues.
In her inaugural lecture, Sarah Giest explains that 'the intended digital inclusion is far from inclusive’, as a small but important group of people cannot keep up with the digital path the government has embarked on.
The Institute of Public Administration is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Public Administration programme with a party at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague. The special occasion was attended by around 400 students, alumni, former colleagues, and staff. Later in the year, an Anniversary Day will follow.
The student association of Public Administration also celebrated this anniversary. Princess Laurentien van Oranje-Nassau visited Leiden University during the opening lecture of the 40th anniversary of the student association B.I.L. She spoke about her role at the Stichting (Gelijk)Waardig Herstel and how quickly the world can change.
October
The new Dutch-language bachelor's programme 'Cybersecurity & Cybercrime', which will start in September 2025, responds to the growing demand for versatile for cyber professionals.
During Cyberweek, the research and education of FGGA in the field of cybersecurity, digital developments, and their impact on society were spotlighted.
Antoaneta Dimitrova and Jaroslaw Kantorowicz received 760,000 euros through an EU Horizon grant for their ISGA project on the rule of law. They focus on the question: ‘What happens when the rule of law weakens, and how do people perceive the consequences of this?
Dovile Rimkute from the Institute of Public Administration is one of the eleven researchers from Leiden University who has received Vidi grant from NWO. Her research focuses on the regulation of scientific measures in response to risks in society.
FGGA researcher Susanne Kamerling concludes in a report that Dutch media are insufficiently prepared for pyschological intimidation from China. This message has been picked up by various media outlets.
November
In November, over twenty thousand lecturers, students, administrators, and support staff from universities and universities of applied sciences, along with other stakeholders, protested at the Malieveld in The Hague against the planned billion-euro cuts to higher education.
In his inaugural lecture, Rutger Leukfeldt argues that empirical research on cybercrime is a must, or else we will continue chasing a mysterious entity that does not exist. Saniye Çelik delivers her inaugural lecture on the ambivalent feelings about diversity and inclusion within the police force.
The well-attended Anniversary Day of the Institute of Public Administration, celebrating its 40th anniversary, focused on Public Administration 3.0: Reflections on the Midlife and Future of a Discipline. The programme offered both a retrospective and a forward-looking perspective on the development of the field. You can view the congratulations in the congratulations video here.
Dr. Jiska Engelbert has been appointed as the new Professor by special appointment of the Ien Dales Chair ‘Government as an Employment Organisation’. Her focus is on leadership in digital transitions, digital innovations, and the transformation of public services, with particular attention to local governments.
Marieke Liem, Professor of Security and Interventions, is working on the Femicide Monitor, a publicly accessible database on femicide in the Netherlands.
The Nuance Project, founded by students from Leiden University in The Hague, provides a platform for open and respectful discussions on sensitive topics. The initiative aims to promote mutual understanding and connection, even when opinions diverge.
In November, seventy graduated FGGA students received their Honours Certificate. A special moment: the 1574th and 1575th Honours College students earned their certificates, symbolically referencing Leidens Ontzet (1574) and the founding of Leiden University (1575).
December
December begins with two appointments at ISGA: Bart Schuurman has been appointed Professor of Terrorism and Political Violence, and Michael Kowalski has been appointed Professor by Special Appointment of Applied Ethics in Intelligence and Security.
The FGGA Career Service organised an inspiring excursion to Brussels for FGGA students. The programme offered a unique opportunity to get acquainted with European institutions, organisations, and alumni who live and work in this dynamic city.
Dr. Joana Cook and Dr. Graig Klein have received a Google Trust & Safety Research Grant for their ISGA project. Their research focuses on the growing issue of violent extremist material on the internet.
Compilation and translation by Loes Velthuis en Niels Heukelom.
This overview is a compilation of the year of FGGA. We certainly do not pretend that it is complete. Are you missing something, or do you know someone who has also done something special? Let us know via communicatie@fgga.leidenuniv.nl with the reference: jaaroverzicht.