Research project
Building interdisciplinairy research together: A permanent network for Assistant Professors
How can we establish a permanent, cross-faculty network that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among Assistant Professors?
- Duration
- 2025 - 2026
- Contact
- Stephan Hacker
- Funding
- KIEM grant (Leiden University)
Introduction
The start of an academic career is a crucial period for Assistant Professors, as they lay the foundations for their research, teaching, and future collaborations. At the same time, it can be challenging to build consistent connections with colleagues from other disciplines and faculties. This project explores how a local network can stimulate and sustain these interdisciplinary encounters among Assistant Professors.
Research Goal
The aim of this project is to create a permanent, cross-faculty network for Assistant Professors at Leiden University. Through regular meetings and targeted match-making sessions, the project seeks to foster new collaborations in research and teaching, establishing the foundation for long-term joint projects and funding applications.
Interdisciplinary Approach
This initiative brings together Assistant Professors from multiple faculties. The Faculty of Science contributes experience with national networks and research organisation, the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) brings expertise in interdisciplinary teaching and medical collaboration, and the Faculty of Humanities offers knowledge on cross-faculty networks and academic community building. The network will also work closely with existing initiatives such as the Young Academy Leiden and the national Assistant Professor Network (APNet).
Project Description - Establishing a Permanent Network to Foster Interdisciplinary Encounters between Assistant Professors
This project focuses on establishing a local, permanent Assistant Professor Network at Leiden University. The network will host regular meetings where Assistant Professors can connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on interdisciplinary research and teaching projects. Central to these gatherings are professional match-making sessions, where participants present their ideas and identify potential partners from other faculties.
In addition, the project will organise brainstorming sessions and panel discussions on current topics in research and education, helping participants get to know one another and initiate joint projects. Informal interactions are also encouraged, fostering lasting collaborations and a sense of community.
Alongside these activities, the core team will develop a strategic plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network, ensuring it continues to promote interdisciplinary collaboration beyond the Kiem grant period.
The network targets all faculties at the university and builds on existing initiatives such as Young Academy Leiden and the national APNet, aligning local and national networks to strengthen connections across the university. At the end of the first phase, a dedicated ‘Interdisciplinary Assistant Professor Day’ will showcase results, share plans for further development, and stimulate new connections.
By combining structured and informal activities with a focus on sustainability, the network provides a concrete, practical, and lasting way to connect Assistant Professors and promote cross-faculty collaboration.