Approachable and engaged: Véronique and Lars are here for staff and students
A new academic year also means a (partly) new Faculty Council. What are the priorities for this year? We spoke with Chair Véronique Roos and Vice-Chair Lars Jeuken. ‘Anyone can come to us – we’re here to help.’
Could you briefly introduce yourselves?
Véronique: ‘I’m Véronique Roos, 22 years old. I study Astronomy and have just started the research master’s in Astronomy Research, after completing the bachelor’s in the same field. I’m originally from Abcoude and have been living in Leiden for about a year and a half now.’
Lars: ‘I’m Lars Jeuken, Professor of Biophysical Chemistry at LIC – the Leiden Institute of Chemistry. This is my second term on the Faculty Council, representing the LIC-LACDR party. As the staff term lasts two years, this is now my third year in total. I’ve been living and working in Leiden again since 2021. Before that, I spent many years working in the UK. I earned my PhD here in Leiden, so the university feels very familiar.’
Véronique, what made you want to join the Faculty Council?
‘I think it’s important to do more than just study – it’s good for your CV and for your own personal development. For example, I also work at a Chinese restaurant. During my bachelor’s, I was on the Programme Committee (OC), and that’s when someone asked me if the Faculty Council might be something for me.’
And how about you, Lars?
‘I also started out on a Programme Committee, for Life Science & Technology (LST). I like to explore what suits me. I was then asked if I wanted to run for the Faculty Council, and I said yes. Now I’m in my third year and also vice-chair. I also often take part in outreach activities, like 'meet the professor' or the science market during Leidens Ontzet. I enjoy it – and I think it’s important too.’
What will you be focusing on in the coming period?
Véronique: ‘One of our goals is to make the Council more visible – especially among students. When I was on the Programme Committee, I didn’t know much about the Faculty Council either. We want to make it clear that anyone can come to us. We’re here to help, and we’re not hidden behind some kind of wall.’
Lars: ‘That’s definitely something we’re aiming for. Colleagues in my institute know where to find me, but outside of that, not so much. The faculty is large, and there may be issues we’re simply unaware of. We want to be aware of those too – so do send us an email or reach out.’
What’s currently happening in the faculty?
Lars: ‘One ongoing issue is, of course, the budget cuts. There’s no way around them – they’re coming. But we’re keeping a close eye on how they’re handled. The elections at the end of October will be especially important in this regard.
Another big topic is the new career framework for academic staff, part of the 'Recognition and Rewards' programme. If you think something’s not going well there, do let us know.'
‘Last year, we raised the issue of students not being allowed to take exams because they hadn’t registered on time – even when there was still room. There’s now a pilot for a new system, and that’s thanks to the Faculty Council’s efforts.’
Véronique, did your predecessor give you any tips?
‘I had a chat with Jelle and got a bit of a crash course. The most important thing, he told me, is to just be myself, chair the meetings well, and not be afraid to speak up. That’ll be fine – I tend to form an opinion quickly once I understand a topic, and I’m not shy about sharing it.
‘One thing I definitely want to achieve is good contact with all the Programme Committees, and I want to be approachable and easy to reach for all students. I want to stay well-informed about what’s going on.’
What is the Faculty Council?
The Faculty Council for Science is the faculty’s representative body. Its role is to critically monitor the Faculty Board, offer advice, and in some cases, take part in decision-making on important matters. Read more here.