Johan Woltjer new Dean of Graduate Studies

The Board of the University (BoU) has named Prof. Johan Woltjer the new Dean of Graduate Studies. As from 1 June, Woltjer will succeed Prof. Petra Rudolf, whose term of over five years as Dean of Graduate Studies is expiring.

Woltjer is Professor of Urban Development and Planning at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, where he has been serving as Dean from 2021, a role he will hold until June. Earlier, he was affiliated with the University of Westminster, University of Amsterdam, and University of Twente. His chair is aimed towards urban and regional development (particularly in Europe and Asia), and towards capacities for water and infrastructure in cities.

As Dean of Graduate Studies, Woltjer will shape the PhD policy of the University. He also has an important responsibility in coordinating the Graduate Schools of the ten faculties, the affiliated 4500 PhD students, and 45 Research Master’s programmes. He brings relevant experience to this role, including experience from his previous roles as Dean, Programme Director, and Director of Research. In his current function as a Faculty Dean, he is partly responsible for research.

Prof. Jacquelien Scherpen, Rector Magnificus of the University, about the appointment: ‘I am overjoyed to welcome Johan Woltjer as the new Dean of Graduate Studies. I know him as a capable director, and the organization of our graduate studies will certainly benefit from his knowledge and capabilities. The Board of the University is looking forward to continuing the pleasant collaboration with Johan Woltjer, now in the role of Dean of Graduate Studies.’

Prof. Johan Woltjer: ‘A strong organization of the Graduate School is essential for the University of Groningen, both given its large contributions to science and society, as well as its role in teaching researchers. I am highly motivated to collaborate with this community of PhD students, which is very important to me. I am devoted to the best possible positioning and profiling of the graduate studies.’