Updates from Illuster 97
PhD at 87
In early November, Hans Versnel defended his dissertation on improving kampongs and urban governance in Indonesia. When asked how it feels to be the oldest doctoral candidate, Versnel replied: “Well, I'm not the oldest, there was once someone who was 89, I looked it up. But it feels special.”
Alumnus Hans Versnel (87) obtained his PhD at Utrecht University in early November. Versnel studied sociology and worked for the World Bank and the municipality of Utrecht, among others. After his retirement in 2003, Versnel had more time to delve into what had long fascinated him: Indonesia. While traveling in Surabaya, he visited a kampong that had been improved during the colonial era. “I found that so interesting. It made me want to get involved in urban politics in Indonesia.” He wrote an article about it, and later a chapter for a book. His fascination grew into a larger project. “I kind of fell into it.”
Versnel worked on his dissertation for a total of 20 years, sometimes intensively, sometimes not for months at a time, because he also traveled a lot with his wife. His research shows that administrative decentralization played a decisive role in the improvement of kampongs, both during the colonial period and in independent Indonesia.
His wife passed away in 2019. During one of their trips together, she bought a gift in Jakarta for the moment he would receive his doctorate. When we spoke to him, it was still unopened in the closet. “She would be most surprised that I succeeded,” he says.
Medicine becomes Medical Sciences
Since September 1, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine has a new name: Faculty of Medical Sciences (abbreviation: MW). This name better reflects what the faculty does. After all, it offers more programs than just Medicine, such as Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Health Sciences, and Medical Humanities.
The Student Council requested the change. “I am very happy with the new name, which represents all the programs offered by our wonderful faculty,” says Annabelle Bakhuizen, Biomedical Sciences student and chair of the council. The new name is in line with the Utrecht education model and the vision of The New Utrecht School. The change will be implemented step by step in systems and communications.
Research at extreme hights
All over the world, people depend on water from the mountains. So it is important to understand how the climate there is changing. Glaciers are melting, supplying drinking water to lower-lying areas, but also causing floods and landslides.
Utrecht University is conducting research into climate change in the Himalayas. Taking measurements at such high altitudes is difficult, but it is possible with small weather stations. With the help of the Utrecht University Fund, Prof. Walter Immerzeel and his team were able to collect the data they needed for their research.
Renovations University Hall
Next summer, the Academy Building will close for extensive renovation. Since 1894, the Academy Building has been the location where Utrecht University students graduate and where doctoral defenses, inaugural lectures, and other important university events are celebrated. The building will be closed during the renovation. The university is therefore investigating suitable alternative locations for events such as graduation ceremonies.