Professors by Special appointment

A professor by special appointment is a professor who is usually affiliated with Utrecht University for a specific chair and a limited period. The chair is often established by an external organisation, such as a foundation, company, government institution or professional association.

External organisations (legal entities) may ask the Executive Board to appoint a Professor by Special Appointment at Utrecht University in order to promote education or research in a particular field. The basic criterion is that this chair should make a specific contribution to the university’s research and/or teaching activities not previously available in the professorial workforce.