Two new programme directors to start in the new year
Apointments
In early 2026, two new programme directors will begin their roles at FWN. Joost Broekens will take charge of the bachelor’s programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), while Sander van Kasteren will become programme director of the MSc in Life Science and Technology (LST).
Broekens succeeds Frank Takens, who has held the position since 1 September 2022. Takes will continue as Director of Education at LIACS and as programme director of the BSc in Computer Science. He is pleased with his successor: ‘Since the official launch of this programme in 2022, Joost has been involved from the very beginning. Over the past few years he has contributed greatly in his roles as lecturer and as curriculum and programme manager.'
'The number of bachelor’s students at LIACS has more than doubled over the past four years. It therefore makes perfect sense to split the BSc-level programme directorship between Computer Science and DSAI, and for Joost Broekens to take on this role. I wish him every success in further developing this bachelor’s programme, which covers what is perhaps one of the most topical subjects in the sciences today.’
A focus on people
Broekens is looking forward to the work ahead. ‘My view is that DSAI should offer future-proof teaching that emphasises depth, autonomy and genuine engagement. With a clear and streamlined curriculum, students can build on the foundations of computer science and develop critical, independent and creative problem-solving skills. Lecturers are given the time and trust to make teaching their priority, and we choose a human approach over unnecessary bureaucracy. In a world where AI is becoming ever more important, we focus on what makes people unique: understanding, judgement, collaboration, and the ability to think with and about technology.’
MSc LST
In the new year, Sander van Kasteren will take over from Lies Bouwman as programme director of the MSc in LST. Lies will continue in her roles as Director of Education at the LIC and as programme director of the Master’s in Chemistry. Van Kasteren says: ‘I want to build on the excellent work of my predecessor and make LST the programme for both the theory and the application of the molecular life sciences.’