Sarah de Rijcke appointed Rector Magnificus of Leiden University
Professor Sarah de Rijcke will become the new Rector Magnificus on the Executive Board of Leiden University on 15 January 2026. She will succeed Professor Hester Bijl, who will become Rector Magnificus at Delft University of Technology.
Sarah de Rijcke is currently Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and Professor of Science, Technology & Innovation Studies. She was previously Scientific Director of the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) at the same faculty.
De Rijcke completed her doctorate (cum laude) in Groningen and has worked in Leiden since 2011. As a professor, she pursues a strong interdisciplinary approach to the question of how scientific quality is achieved and what role science plays – and should play – in the world. She is a driving force behind Academia in Motion, the university programme to better recognise and reward staff and promote Open Science. De Rijcke holds various administrative roles within and outside the university, including membership of the Dutch UNESCO Commission, and has extensive international experience on the advisory boards of major research funders, policy bodies and metascience consortia.
Collaborative approach
On the Executive Board, Sarah de Rijcke’s portfolios will include research and teaching. As Rector Magnificus, she sees further refining the university’s strategy as an important next step for the university. She is also committed to a collaborative approach to the challenges facing the university. These include addressing budget cuts and pressures on internationalisation, as well as student well-being, knowledge security and academic freedom. A further priority is the continued development of interdisciplinarity and Open Science. With her broad expertise, she readily makes connections between different disciplines and perspectives, while focusing on scientific and societal challenges.
Academic leader
The Board of Governors welcomes De Rijcke’s appointment. ‘Sarah is a highly experienced leader, and her knowledge and experience place her at the forefront of interdisciplinary work in science,’ said Chair Ferd Grapperhaus. ‘She is familiar with the Dutch academic community and knows our university inside and out. Furthermore, she is an expert active in various strategic administrative bodies at home and abroad, and as an academic leader, is approachable and strongly oriented towards collaboration. That is precisely what we are looking for in a Rector Magnificus.’
Open knowledge community
‘Leiden is a wonderful university full of committed people,’ said Sarah de Rijcke in response to her appointment. ‘I look forward to my role as Rector and to working with my colleagues on the Executive Board. I believe in an open, engaged knowledge community, so I invite everyone – especially young students, lecturers and staff – to come and share their ideas and experiences with me. We are one university: together we will tackle the challenges and make the university community even stronger.’
University Council
The University Council is also positive about the appointment. ‘The Council sees Professor Sarah de Rijcke as a leader who, with her experience, knowledge, vision and connecting leadership, can guide the university through its further development in the years ahead. As the University Council, we look forward to constructive and fruitful collaboration with Sarah de Rijcke.’
Executive Board
President of the Executive Board, Luc Sels, is pleased with the appointment. ‘Sarah boasts broad international administrative experience and has excellent relations with policymakers, research funders, partner universities and more. She is a committed leader and interdisciplinary researcher, and also has an eye for the workload and well-being of our students and staff. We very much look forward to shaping the future of the university together with Sarah.’
Executive Board membership
From 15 January 2026, the Executive Board of Leiden University will comprise the following members :
- Professor Luc Sels, President
- Professor Sarah de Rijcke, Rector Magnificus
- Timo Kos, MA, Vice-President