Anouk Keizer: ‘Anyone who thinks they can learn something and contribute is welcome at the Utrecht Young Academy’

This year, young researchers can nominate themselves for membership of the Utrecht Young Academy (UYA). Assistant professor Anouk Keizer says she’s happy to be part of the group. ‘I actually didn’t know any assistant professors from other faculties.’

Due to natural attrition (appointments are for 5 years), the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is currently modestly represented in the UYA. One of the five enthusiastic FSBS members is Anouk Keizer, assistant professor in the Experimental Psychology department. ‘I nominated myself at the time because it seemed interesting to join a network of young people who work at all different faculties. I actually didn’t know any assistant professors from other faculties. At the UYA, we focus on scientific policy at the university level as well as nationally and internationally. I’m really happy to be part of this group. When it comes to policy, assistant professors tend to fall somewhere in the middle: it’s not that we aren’t involved in anything, but many decisions are made at a higher level. I often wondered: what is going on? What are the faculty and the Executive Board making decisions about? I have greater insight into this through the UYA.’

An example: the 2022 Administrative agreement on higher education and science (Bestuursakkoord 2022 hoger onderwijs en wetenschap, link in Dutch). ‘As part of this agreement, the government is investing a large amount in young academic staff. The UYA advised the university on how to spend that money, which had to be done very quickly. Without the UYA, I wouldn’t have heard anything about it.’

When it comes to policy, assistant professors tend to fall somewhere in the middle: it’s not that we aren’t involved in anything, but many decisions are made at a higher level.

Exchange

The interactions with researchers outside the faculty are very interesting, according to Anouk. ‘For example: how does a promotion from assistant professor to associate professor work at other faculties? There’s also a lot of exchange with the Young Academies at other universities, and even international exchange through the national Young Academy.’

Treasure hunt

The amount of time that goes into a UYA membership largely depends on how active the member is. Anouk herself estimates that she puts in two to four hours a week: ‘We have a two-hour meeting every month. But in addition to that, there are all sorts of other projects you can participate in and often request funding for as well. We developed the Climate Help Desk (link in Dutch), for instance, and carried out the project “Sleepless in Academia: A Response to the Challenges of Young Academic Parents”. The aim of this project was to help create inclusive and family-friendly policies within the university.’ Anouk Keizer was also recently involved in Knoop x UYA, an art project that was showcased at the Betweter Festival. ‘Three artists translated scientific research into works of art. We hope the project will help non-scientists to look at science in a different way, and bring some playfulness back to science.’ There is also time for social activities, from an annual treasure hunt to cooking workshops.

Nominate yourself

"The UYA is looking for excellent young UU-researchers (between 0 and 8 years after receiving their PhD degree; an extension clause may apply) who are committed to contributing to UYA's mission and activities in the coming 5 years", according to the call for nominations. Young researchers can nominate themselves in even years, which includes this year (in uneven years, candidates must be nominated by a vice-dean, programme director or PhD Council). It’s a great opportunity! Potential candidates shouldn’t be discouraged by the word ‘excellent’, Anouk says. ‘Anyone who thinks they can learn something or contribute is welcome.’

You have until 25 November 2022 to submit your self-nomination, click here for more information on the procedure. For questions, please contact the secretary of the selection committee, Fati Shahrabi at uya@uu.nl