The new academic year has begun. What does the Board of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW), in its new composition, hope this year will bring to the faculty?
Dean Bart Barendregt
'I hope this will be the year in which we, as a faculty, recognize ourselves in our shared narrative and communicate it with conviction. Since January 2026, I have had the privilege of contributing to that as dean: a role in which I feel very much at home and one that I would be delighted to continue fulfilling for a long time to come. After nearly 30 years at FSW, I am still discovering hidden gems: colleagues who make a difference through their knowledge, energy, and passion for their field.'
'I see our task as creating space for work that contributes to our faculty and university strategy, standing behind it, and giving it the attention it deserves. Through our five university profile themes, we aim to ask the right interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary questions about health, social transitions, youth, AI, and sustainability. I hope this will lead to stronger education, research, and societal impact, reciprocal relationships, and sharper decision-making. Decisions that follow from a shared and clearly defined direction.'
In addition to serving as acting dean of FSW, Bart Barendregt is professor Digital Anthropology at the Leiden Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology as well as the UNESCO Chair of the Anthropology of Digital Diversity.
Vice Dean of Education Carlijn Bergwerff
'I am optimistic about our education. Hundreds of new students have chosen our programmes, and current students are beginning the next stage of their bachelor's or master's degree with renewed energy. We have the privilege of guiding many young people as they deepen their understanding of issues such as mental health, social transitions, and sustainability.'
'I also see many promising ideas for further strengthening our education and developing new forms of teaching, such as the use of a Socratic AI chatbot within courses and the further development of an online collaboration tool for students. I hope these initiatives will flourish in the coming year. In addition, I hope that, as a faculty, we can place even greater emphasis on student well-being, recognition and appreciation of teaching, increasing AI literacy, and ensuring valid assessment in the age of AI. I hope it will be a year in which students feel seen, lecturers receive the recognition they deserve, and together we continue to build future-proof education.'
In addition to serving as vice dean of education, Carlijn Bergwerff is associate professor at the Institute of Education and Child Studies.
Vice Dean of Research and Impact Tom Louwerse
'I believe that the new university profile themes offer an excellent opportunity to further strengthen collaboration both within and beyond our own faculty in key areas such as health (which is already longer a priority for FSW), future generations, social transitions, AI, and sustainability. I hope that these new connections and collaborations will further enrich our research and contribute to an even greater societal impact of our scholarly work.'
'At the same time, as vice dean of research and impact, I am committed to ensuring that researchers continue to have as much space as possible for curiosity-driven research. After all, many important insights emerge from scientific curiosity and the freedom to explore new questions.'
'The combination of academic freedom, collaboration, and societal engagement is what makes our faculty strong. In this way, we as a university can fully realize our societal role and maximize our impact.'
As of 1 September, Tom Louwerse is appointed vice dean of research and impact of FSW. In addition, he is professor of Political Behaviour and Research.
Director of Operational Management Mariska Enneking
'I am looking forward to joining the faculty in September 2026. After working for 25 years in an environment focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, I am eager to explore the social sciences. I look forward to contributing, through professional services and operations, to education and research on people and society, and to the impact this work has. What do I hope this new academic year will bring the faculty? As I have not yet had the opportunity to gain personal experience within FSW, I cannot draw on that just yet. However, based on my previous work, I would say: stability and predictability in our processes.'
'I also hope that the new academic year will bring all staff members inspiration, enthusiasm, and opportunities for collaboration through which we can learn from one another. For me personally, these are the elements that make working at a university so meaningful.'
As of September 1, Mariska Enneking is appointed Director of Operational Management of FSW. Previously, she served as director of operations of the Faculty of Technology at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Student Assessor Titia Gräfin von Schlieffen
'In the coming academic year, I hope that we as a faculty can build on the positive developments of recent years and create even more opportunities for exchange and collaboration between students and faculty staff. As student assessor, I look forward to bringing the perspectives of my fellow students to the table and working together with others to contribute to an open and vibrant faculty culture. I believe an active and engaged student community is important, because the faculty thrives on the ideas and commitment of everyone who works and studies here.'
'In addition, I hope that interaction between Dutch and international students will continue to grow in the new academic year. By creating more opportunities for people to meet and exchange ideas, we can bring together different experiences and perspectives, learn from one another, and jointly contribute to an inclusive and inspiring academic environment.'
Titia Gräfin von Schlieffen is a third-year student in the International Bachelor of Psychology and is originally from Germany. Over the past two years, she has been a member of the Bachelor Programme Committee.
At the centre of society
Bart Barendregt is looking forward to working with his fellow board members to continue building the outstanding and multifaceted faculty that FSW is.
'Our strength lies not only in the expertise within our five institutes, but also in the connections we create: within Leiden University, with international partners, and at the heart of society. At a time when technological change, polarization, inequality, and questions surrounding health and sustainability are becoming increasingly intertwined, the social sciences are indispensable. We do not want to stand on the sidelines observing change; we want to be at the centre of society, helping to understand, connect, and create new possibilities together.'
Build on the faculty's ambitions
The Executive Board looks forward to working with the renewed Board of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences:
'As of 1 September, a strong new board is in place for the social sciences. The board brings together substantive expertise in education and research with governance capabilities and vision. This combination is of great value in supporting staff and students as they continue to strengthen the position of the social sciences as an indispensable field for innovation and societal transitions.'
'Following the departure of Sarah de Rijcke, Bart Barendregt has provided continuity and steady leadership as dean, keeping the faculty on course with the strategy as its guiding compass. We greatly appreciate his efforts and have every confidence that, together with Carlijn Bergwerff, Tom Louwerse, Mariska Enneking, student assessor Titia von Schlieffen, and the institutes, he will build on the faculty's ambitions and take further steps forward together.'
