Casper Albers appointed as the new dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

The Board of the University has appointed Prof. Dr. Casper Albers as dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences as of August 1. Albers is currently a professor of Applied Statistics and Data Visualization and research director at the Department of Psychology. Starting in August, he will succeed Kees Aarts, who is stepping down as dean after eight years but will remain connected to the faculty as a professor.

As dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Albers will also be responsible for research. Casper Albers:, "BSS is a fantastic faculty with programs that are consistently rated positively, and where world-class research with significant societal impact is conducted in every department." Starting this summer, Albers, together with Hilda Amsing and Mirjam Buigel, will form the faculty board. They are delighted with the appointment and look forward to working together. Hilda Amsing, vice-dean at BSS: "With Casper, the faculty once again gets a dean who will dedicate himself to the broad spectrum of research in our faculty, understands the importance of good relationships, and can strategically act within the societal landscape in which the faculty operates."

Albers is appointed to this new role for four years. In the present time, Albers believes it is time to advocate for the importance of science and the added value of English-language programs to society and politics in the coming years. Asked about his plans, he emphasizes the importance of Open Science and team science. Furthermore, he will focus on improving internal collaboration. Albers: "Collegial interaction and transparency in decision-making are essential for a good working climate, which in turn is essential for impactful research and education. Such collaboration is not possible without actively investing in an inclusive and socially safe faculty. Good progress has already been made in recent years, and I want to continue this process."

About Casper Albers
Casper Albers has been a professor at the BSS faculty since 2018 in the Department of Psychology. He obtained his PhD in Mathematical Statistics from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the RUG in 2003. He then spent several years as a research fellow at the Open University in the United Kingdom. In addition to his academic and administrative work, he is also active outside the university. He was a regular columnist for the Volkskrant for many years and serves as a statistical advisor to the RIVM and the Dutch Healthcare Authority.