For newly recruited ZAP (senior academic staff), we have greatly expanded and deepened the ZAP onboarding process in recent years, with thanks to our colleagues in the HR department and in the faculties. We definitely want to keep this up and, where necessary, strengthen it for our international colleagues. We also need to implement the recently outlined language policy for international ZAP, with a special focus on expectation management, career conversations and enhanced language support provision. But let’s not forget that our senior peers also play an important role in the onboarding process as coaches and mentors. Why should we not explicitly value and reward the guidance and training of young researchers in general as a form of research impact that is at least as important as the actual, traditional research results? When recruiting and promoting staff, we will also value and reward researchers who, on the basis of their scientific expertise, contribute to public debate and nurture trust in science.

Together, we make KU Leuven

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence you have placed in me during what has already been an intense campaign. Now we are steaming ahead to the final round of voting! Because if you really want to bring a breath of fresh air to the university, you need to know exactly what is going on, what the needs are and how we can realistically address them. In short, you need to know KU Leuven inside out so that we can move forward together and leave no one behind. That’s why I am keen to continue the dialogue with you, because yes, together, we make KU Leuven.