Educational background
Jeroen Geurts studied Neurobiology at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and conducted research on the nerve disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during his education. After completing his studies, he earned his doctorate for research on gray matter damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) at VU Amsterdam. He also pursued studies in philosophy at VU Amsterdam.
Work experience
In addition to his scientific work, Geurts has been actively involved for a long time in translating science for a broader audience. He has authored several books on the brain and brain research, regularly publishing articles, opinion pieces, and columns in newspapers and magazines. In 2010, he co-founded the Brein in Beeld foundation (BiB) with two colleagues.
From 2013 to 2015, Geurts served as the chairman of the knowledge platform De Jonge Akademie of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). From 2017 to 2022, he held the position of chairman of ZonMw and was a member of the board of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), overseeing health research and medical sciences. In these organizations, he was involved in establishing a unified consortium that promotes new forms of Recognition & Rewards in science. In 2022, Jeroen Geurts was appointed as a member of the Dutch UNESCO Commission.
As Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam, Jeroen Geurts plays a central role in the governance and representation of the university. He is responsible for promoting the quality of education, research, and knowledge valorization. He leads the academic community and fosters an environment in which teachers, researchers, and students can excel in their respective fields. He also promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with other universities, research institutes, and societal organizations. Additionally, he contributes to the development of an inclusive and diverse academic climate where talented individuals have equal opportunities.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities by virtue of position
- Chairman of the board Special Chairs VU Foundation
- Chairman of the board of AUC Scholarship Fund Foundation
- Chairman of the Bulthuis van Oosternieland Foundation
- Member UNL Education and Research Steering Committee (SOO)
Additional activities in a personal capacity
- Member UNESCO Committee Netherlands
- Director Brain in the Picture
Outside activities related to expertise
- Professor of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine VU
- Membership of the network Royal Dutch Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW)
For more information: Jeroen Geurts - Wikipedia
Contact information
Management assistants:
Nicole van Dijk +31 20 5982065 / +31 6 41557442
Elske Nummerdor +31 20 5985293 / +31 6 42447036
E-mail: rectormagnificus@vu.nl
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/jeroengeurts
