“Knowledge from science for society, that’s what I stand for”
Applying knowledge and innovation
“Knowledge and innovation based on scientific research are crucial for development and progress, for broad prosperity, for well-being and public health, for sustainability, for the democratic rule of law, for everything of value. Utrecht University is a broad university. A university with strong disciplinary pillars and an interdisciplinary umbrella. A university that, through education, research, and societal collaboration - with our students, lecturers, researchers, alumni, and partners - contributes to addressing major societal challenges. A university that is deeply embedded in society and truly connected to it. From the local to the international level. A university that aims to make the world a better place. I consider it a privilege to contribute to this at Utrecht University.”
Hans Brug (1963) is President of the Executive Board of Utrecht University since January 1, 2026. Prior to this, he served as Director General of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) from 2018, and as Professor of Health Behaviour at the University of Amsterdam since 2019. He studied human nutrition at Wageningen University & Research and obtained his PhD in Health Sciences at Maastricht University. He has also held various scientific and administrative positions at the Open University, Maastricht University, Erasmus MC, Amsterdam UMC, and the University of Amsterdam.
As President of the Executive Board, Hans Brug is engaged with the following themes:
- Creating and applying knowledge and innovation
- Connecting Dutch universities
- Collaboration from local to international
- Valorization and entrepreneurship
- Societal support and connection with society
- Public and academic leadership
- Social safety
- Open science and knowledge security