Opening of the FGGA academic year: much appreciation, new challenges
On Prinsjesdag, 16 September 2025, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) opened the new faculty year with a reception at Wijnhaven. The opening was dedicated to the university’s lustrum theme: ‘Ahead of Time’.
Moderator Sterre Burmeister skilfully guided the afternoon and invited several speakers to reflect briefly on the past and look ahead. 'We want to make a positive start together, and we do this by engaging in conversation about our ambitions and looking forward,' Burmeister said.
Appreciation and engagement
The afternoon began with an appreciation activity: colleagues were given the opportunity to personally show each other some recognition. A token of appreciation, in the form of a card with a personal message and a chocolate bar, was prepared. Those who wanted to surprise someone on the spot could leave a handwritten message at the desk.
Next, the new assessor, Mick de Kruijff, was introduced. The (new) Faculty Council, represented by Nikki Ikani, was also presented for the new academic year and briefly addressed the audience: they shared their ambitions for the coming year.
During the central programme, discussions were held with various representatives from the faculty’s institutes:
- LUC is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, with Dean Giles Scott-Smith taking stock: ‘Our challenge is to remain innovative and attractive, without overburdening students or staff.’ Alumni Martin van Pul and Jan-Julius Goeijenbier both shared how LUC has shaped their careers.
- From the Public Administration institute, Toon Kerkhoff and Maria Tiggelaar reflected on the theme ‘Ahead of Time’. Kerkhoff, who has long been with the institute, looked back at the history of Public Administration, including the move from Leiden to The Hague. He also highlighted the resilience of the institute, while Tiggelaar, a new addition to the team, emphasised how new research methods, such as machine learning, offer opportunities to better understand societal challenges.
- ISGA presented the ambitious NET-ROL project, which examines how formal and informal networks influence the rule of law. Professor of Comparative Governance, Antoaneta Dimitrova and postdoc Kathleen Brown, expressed hope that this research will contribute to a fairer and more transparent system in the coming years.
New strategy
The board concluded the afternoon with a call for dialogue, collaboration, and new challenges: ‘Our strength lies in being a community where there is room for different opinions. By talking, listening, and learning together, we are building a place where we can use our knowledge to contribute to solutions for today’s major challenges. In addition, we will soon start the conversation about our new strategy for the coming years. We are challenged to be ambitious. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute and have their say. So: come to the consultations, share your ideas, and help shape the future of FGGA.’
Finally, the FGGA choir provided a musical closing, inviting everyone to join in singing.