In 2017 a compensation regulation was implemented within the Career Path Academic Staff that made it possible for scientists to choose for a stronger focus on either teaching or research within their academic career. In the new Career Path 2020, teaching-; research- and valorisation-profiles have been introduced (next to the all-round ‘wide’ profiles) for assistant professor, associate professor and professor. In this way the possibility for academics to distinguish themselves in one of the three main-area’s has been further developed. Scientists are expected to grow in all three main-area’s, however in the new scheme the possibility for differentiation on the bases of competence and ambition has increased. This is in line with the extensive attention there is at Dutch universities and research funding organisations for Acknowledgement and Appreciation of academic talent.
A balanced composition of teams and departments is important. Teams benefit from the different qualities of the individual team members which can strengthen diversity within teams. Strategic personnel planning is used for a good coordination between the strategy of the department and the existing/required competencies within the team.