Hall of Fame

Utrecht University is proud of each and every one of its graduates, and alumni are an important part of Utrecht University's academic community. But where do they all end up? In this section, Illuster presents some major appointments from the last six months.

Karen Hauer
Medicine (2015) received the John P. Hubbard Award in recognition of her contributions to the field of medical education research.
Janneke Slokkers
Art History (2002) was appointed Director of the Netherlands Bach Society on 1 February 2024.
Désirée Majoor
Theatre Studies (1989) became a Crown appointed member of the Social and Economic Council (SER) for two years on 1 April 2024.
Chiem Balduk
Language and Cultural Studies (2018) has been NOS’ second correspondent in Berlin since 1 May 2024
Gijsje Koenderink
Chemistry (1998) is a professor of Biological Soft Matter at Delft University of Technology. She has been appointed as a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
Jeanine Kooistra
Dutch Language and Literature (1994) has been the General Director of the National Police Internal Investigations Department (Rijksrecherche) since 15 June 2024.
Wouter Kolff
Notarial Law (2003) was appointed King’s Commissioner in the province of South Holland with effect from 1 September 2024
Valérie Drost
Dutch Language and Culture, Dutch Literature (2007) has been the Director of the Literatuurmuseum/ Kinderboekenmuseum since 1 september 2024
José van Dijck
Dutch and Literary Studies (1985), a professor of Media and Digital Society at the University of Utrecht, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo on 2 September 2024.
Eppo Bruins
Physics (1991) is the new Minister for Education on behalf of New Social Contract.
Ewout van der Knaap
German Language and Literature (1991) is a professor of German Language Literature and Culture at Utrecht University. He received the Bundesverdienstkreuz on
Detlef van Vuuren
Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (1995) is a professor of Integrated Assessment of Global Environmental Change at Utrecht University. He received the Spinoza Prize for Environmental Science and Chemistry on 2 October 2024
Herman van der Zandt
History (1998)i s a journalist, newsreader and presenter. He is this year’s winner of De slimste mens TV programme.