‘Divisions are there to be bridged’

Published on 25 August 2025

Annetje Ottow is stepping down as President of Leiden University’s Executive Board on 1 September 2025 after almost five years in the role. She looks back at the highs and lows – and ahead to what’s next.

Tremendous honour

She looks back on a turbulent period filled with milestones – and challenges. Because, as the world changed, so did the university. ‘It’s been a tremendous honour to serve as President, and what matters most to me is that we achieved it all together. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished.’

Corona pandemic

Ottow started on 8 February 2021 – during the corona pandemic – as the first female President of Leiden University’s Executive Board. For her first Dies Natalis procession, she and her fellow Board members donned walking boots alongside the customary gowns to navigate the snow-filled streets on the way to an almost deserted Pieterskerk. ‘The entire Dies Natalis ceremony was online, with everyone watching on screens – it was a really unusual start.’

As President, Ottow oversaw the university’s strategic direction and its regional, European and international positioning. Diversity and inclusion, sustainability and dignity at work also made great demands on her attention.

Photo tells a story

She looks back with pleasure at a warm farewell in the Oude UB and the Hortus botanicus, with touching speeches and personal gifts as a memento of special times.

‘Hester [Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl, Ed.] gave me a framed photo that tells a story. It’s of the two of us during the national protest against the government cuts at Malieveld last autumn. You can see the wind and driving rain on our faces, but also the determination. It means so much to me. I’m going to find somewhere special to put it. Once again: we did it together.’

Memorable moments

She has many moments from her time as President that she can look back on with pride and satisfaction. One special occasion was the jubilee edition of the Dies Natalis in the Pieterskerk on 8 February with Princess Beatrix: ‘A lovely celebration and a wonderful start to the university’s 450th anniversary.’

An earlier occasion was the opening of the new Front Office of the university in Jakarta in 2022, ‘together with Robbert Dijkgraaf, the then-Minister of Education, Culture and Science’. The presentation earlier this year of the university’s research into its colonial and slavery past also made a big impression. ‘This was a vital step in recognising the suffering endured by so many.’

Then there was the ‘Brussels strategy’. Ottow: ‘People sometimes asked me why I was always in Brussels. Collaboration with Europe – the European Commission – is crucial because Europe invests in knowledge and innovation. That results in major research grants that our researchers can apply for, such as the Horizon Europe programme and ERC funding.’

At the same time, there was, and still is, the heated political discussion about the ‘increasing internationalisation’ of universities. Ottow has always been opposed to limits on internationalisation. ‘The presence of international students and staff, and the valuable exchange with them, enriches our research and enhances our knowledge’, she says. ‘And it has done for centuries. Internationalisation is deep in this university’s DNA. It’s a complex discussion and, under pressure from the government and its cuts, we have had to make tough decisions.’

Connecting

Ottow is proud of ‘ambition 5’ from the university’s strategic plan, Innovating and Connecting, which was developed during her presidency. The ambition she particularly championed is: ‘More value through strategic collaboration.’ ‘Building and maintaining strategic partnerships both near and far is vital. It’s about working together, strengthening alliances and showing what you are capable of as a university and how you help drive progress. The profiling on research themes, developed in recent months together with the deans, will help enormously.’

Tough choices

There were some tough choices to make in recent years, including relating to dignity at work, and difficult decisions about the government’s stringent cutbacks. The polarisation in society, manifesting itself in demonstrations and occupations of university buildings, – including the debate about the Israel-Palestine conflict – has regularly tested the Board.

Ottow: ‘What is typical of Leiden is our need and desire for dialogue. Let’s continue to make sure the dialogue remains respectful. Our 2023 discussion in the Gorlaeus Building on collaboration with the fossil fuel industry shows we can do this. It was intense and emotional yet respectful, with staff and students openly exchanging views.’

Dedication and passion

Ottow is deeply grateful for the dedication and passion of the academic community. ‘I’ve met so many driven researchers, lecturers and support staff – they are what make this work possible. And obviously our wonderful students. Everything we achieve is with and for our community.’

New paths

After nearly 11 years in senior university leadership roles, Ottow has decided it is time to explore new paths. She plans to devote more time to making a positive impact in other ways, including through biodiversity and sustainability projects. She has also written a book ‘Natuur in je tuin’ (‘Nature in your garden’) – with a sequel due later this year – the proceeds of which will go to Vrouwe Venne Polder.

Although she is stepping down as President, Ottow will keep her chair as Professor of Economic Public Law at Leiden Law School. ‘That will allow me to focus on sustainability research.’ She plans to visit Leiden regularly in the coming time.

As she closes the door to her office at the Oude UB on the Rapenburg, she has a message for the future. ‘As Leiden University, we should cherish all that we have: our community, our academy, our values and our history. We may at times disagree, but we should always remain united. Above all, we should count our blessings. Divisions are there to be bridged.’

Portrait in Academy Building

A portrait will be painted of Annetje Ottow, the first female President of Leiden University since it was founded in 1575. This will be hung in the Academy Building’s hall, together with the portraits of other former administrators. Which artist will paint the work is still to be decided.