Frank Miedema appointed as professor with Chair ‘Open Science’

Professor dr. Frank Miedema is appointed professor of Open Science at Utrecht University.

Frank Miedema already was professor at Utrecht University but with a different chair. He previously was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and vice-chairman of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht. Since 1 March 2019 he has been vice-rector research and chair of the Utrecht University Open Science Programme.

Miedema considers the transition to Open Science that is taking place as an important development in science. Open Science will change the relationship between science and society and fits in with the strategy of Utrecht University, but also has a lot of momentum nationally and internationally. He points out that the way of working of Open Science, like rapidly sharing data, is now showing its value in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading role

Rector Magnificus Henk Kummeling: “Open Science is crucial for a university to flourish in the 21st century, to make progress and to optimally take our responsibility in society. The system in which scientists now find themselves with publication pressure and hypercompetition is not in line with Open Science. The search for alternatives is complex, but essential. Frank Miedema has the expertise and sparkling personality to play a leading role nationally and internationally in the necessary transition to open science.”