Geurts is no stranger to VU Amsterdam. After studying neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam, he obtained his doctorate at VU Amsterdam. He has been professor of Translational Neuroscience at Amsterdam UMC since 2012. Geurts is also adjunct professor at the University of Calgary since several years. In 2013, he became head of the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience at Amsterdam UMC and since 2010 he is the director of the Brain in the Picture Foundation, a foundation dedicated to translating science to society. Geurts has been a member of the NWO Board of Directors and chairman of ZonMw since 2017. At these organisations, he was involved in the establishment of a unified consortium that advocates new forms of Recognition & Appreciation in science.
Geurts says he will start this new chapter with great enthusiasm: "VU Amsterdam is such a wonderful university, with internationally recognised cross-disciplinary research and education, a unique, diverse student population and a constant focus on complex social issues and generating impact. Matters that already have my attention are the practical translation of the new Recognition & Appreciation policy, but also the developments of the Science and Open Science team, for example. However, I will first make a big round to listen carefully to what is going on and to get to know everyone better. I’m looking forward to it!”
Van Praag held the office of rector magnificus ad interim since 1 September in addition to her chairmanship of the Executive Board, due to the departure of Vinod Subramaniam. She was assisted by deans Karen van Oudenhoven-van der Zee and Guus Schreiber. Due to current corona measures, the transfer took place in a small committee, without an audience. The transfer can be viewed here.