Lohse and Thomassen are the only University professors at the UT. Ad Lagendijk had the same status until his departure in 2004. `This honor is reserved for scientists who are internationally regarded as the top of their field,' Rector Magnificus Henk Zijm explains. `That means an excellent publication list, high scores in the scientific Science Citation indices and external recognition through various awards. This is the UT's way of showing its appreciation for these excellent professors, as other Dutch universities have done in the past.'
Zijm explains that the nomination is a joint responsibility of the relevant deans and scientific directors. For Lohse, these persons were Bliek and Feijen; for Thomassen, Van Vucht-Tijssen and Van Rossum.
A technological and a non-technological candidate: coincidence?
Zijm: `Yes, coincidence. The primary criterion is scientific excellence and, after that, the importance of the field to the UT. As I have said various times, I do not see a significant difference between technological and non-technological research, although technological research clearly requires more facilities. The concept of innovation has been split into technological and social or governmental innovation. Both are needed.'
Will this measure be sufficient to prevent top scientists from leaving the UT?
`First of all, this is a way of recognition, not a measure. Secondly, the appointment is certainly not intended to prevent people from leaving - that would mean that the board lets its decisions be influenced by fear. By the way, Lagendijk was a University professor and still left, though mostly on personal grounds. I know certain newspapers have speculated as to the reasons for promoting people to university professors. The physician Dijkgraaf supposedly would have left for the United States had he not been appointed as University professor at the University of Amsterdam. I don't know if that is the case. All I know is that this is no motive for us.'
Can we expect more appointments in the future?
`Right now, we have enough funding to finance at most three university professors at the same time: we have 450,000 euros a year available. That means no annual appointment, since it involves five years of financing. It must also remain an exclusive occasion, reserved for the absolute top.'
No more than three at a time: can we expect a third appointment?
`No, and I also have not received a proposal to that effect.'
In your introductory interview you indicated that you wanted to create more financial breathing space for the top researchers. This is a first step?
`It is a misconception that the position of University professor at the UT was invented by this executive board. The position existed in the previous executive board. However, this executive board agrees with the university management team that it would be unacceptable for research groups that perform excellently in every way to remain constantly plagued by financial problems. Again, that means making choices and adjusting financing to them. That has consequences for the distribution model and Willem te Beest and his staff are working hard to deal with them. The core of the problem is that the UT has to be an attractive employer for all employers and create an environment in which truly top research and education can develop. I am convinced that in the long run, this will have a greater effect than anything else.'
Trans. Jeroen Latour
