Hester Bijl stepping down as Rector Magnificus of Leiden University on 15 January 2026 to become Rector of TU Delft
Having served on the Executive Board for over nine years, the last five of which as Rector Magnificus, Hester Bijl will leave Leiden University at the start of next year. In a new step in her career, she will become Rector Magnificus on the Executive Board of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) on 15 January 2026.
Under Hester Bijl’s leadership, the university has taken substantial steps in developing its research and teaching. Among Bijl’s responsibilities are professorial appointments, and her portfolio includes the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and UNA Europa partnerships, as well as the development of the Leiden Bio Science Park.
‘It’s with mixed emotions that I’m leaving Leiden University. I feel a deep connection to the academic community in Leiden and can look back on a fantastic, enriching and inspiring time at this wonderful university. But I could not let this opportunity that TU Delft – where I studied and received my PhD, and where I also had the honour of being Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering – is offering pass me by. I can see plenty of opportunity in Delft to build on our good relationship within LDE, also in The Hague.’
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Governors, Chair Ferd Grapperhaus, conveyed his deep admiration for all that Hester Bijl has achieved for the university. ‘Hester Bijl has driven significant innovations in our research and teaching, and across many other areas. Hester has been a unifying presence, bringing unmatched energy to her role on the Executive Board. The Board of Governors would like to thank Hester for her contribution to Leiden University on the Executive Board over the past nine years. As much as we regret her departure, we understand her wish to embrace a new opportunity in her career before completing her final term as Rector of Leiden University. We are confident this will strengthen our future collaboration.’
The Board of Governors will start the recruitment process for a new Rector Magnificus immediately after the summer holiday. The new President of the Board, once appointed, will also be involved in the process.