Machiel Keestra appointed new Central Diversity Officer

With effect from 1 February 2022, Machiel Keestra will be the new Central Diversity Officer (CDO) of the University of Amsterdam. Keestra is being appointed for a period of three years, with a possible reappointment for another three years. He will also remain an assistant professor at the UvA's Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies. Keestra will succeed Anne de Graaf, who held the position of Central Diversity Officer until 1 September 2021. The chosen candidate received the unanimous support of a broadly composed appointments committee, including members from the CDO team, P&O and the representative advisory bodies (the Works Council and the Central Student Council). The nomination also had the support of an advisory committee including various Faculty Diversity Officers. The role. Diversity is a common thread in the UvA's Strategic Plan 2021-2026: 'Inspiring Generations'. The Central Diversity Officer contributes to the realisation and implementation of policies in the area of diversity and inclusion, in collaboration with the relevant staff departments. The CDO answers directly to the Executive Board and forms part of a programme team, including the HRM and Academic Affairs departments. The CDO collaborates closely with the Faculty Diversity Officers and also forms part of a national network in which expertise is shared and joint projects are carried out. Machiel Keestra: collaboration at all levels