Utrecht University’s Department of Physics will have a new head, starting July 1. Raimond Snellings will then succeed Stefan Vandoren. Snellings is Professor of Heavy Ion Physics and leads the Dutch contributions to the international ALICE experiment with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stating, "I believe in the strength of disciplines, but there are many additional opportunities when experts from different disciplines start working together."
The Department of Physics at Utrecht University offers a comprehensive education and research environment. Students can enroll in the Bachelor’s programme in Physics and Astronomy, followed by three specialized Master’s programmes. The department’s four research institutes explore phenomena from the smallest known entities, elementary particles, to the vast expanse of the universe, and everything in between. This research not only advances fundamental knowledge but also addresses major societal challenges, such as climate change and the energy transition.
Within the department, we have already achieved significant progress in areas such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Open Science, and Recognition & Rewards
Raimond Snellings, head Department of Physics
Important principles
Raimond Snellings views his appointment as an excellent opportunity to help ensure that the Department of Physics remains well-positioned to fulfill its crucial roles. He aims to focus on several key themes. "Within the department, we have already achieved significant progress in areas such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Open Science, and Recognition & Rewards," he says. "I intend to further enhance these areas by building efficient, diverse teams."
Collaborations
Snellings believes that scientific collaboration should extend beyond departmental and even faculty boundaries. "I believe in the strength of disciplines, but there are many additional opportunities when experts from different disciplines start working together," he says. For instance, he highlights collaborations with the Department of Biology in the field of biophysics, such as the research on lung mucus by the recently promoted Meike Bos. Additionally, there are joint research projects in geophysics with the Faculty of Geosciences.
Raimond’s extensive leadership experience and ability to connect with others make him ideally suited for this role
Isabel Arends, dean Faculty of Science
Ability to connect
Dean of the Faculty of Science, Isabel Arends, is particularly enthusiastic about working with Snellings. "I have come to know Raimond as a very dedicated colleague and academic director," she says. "He is well-acquainted with our faculty and Utrecht University, and has played a significant role in shaping the university’s research data policy. Additionally, he successfully guided the transition to the new research direction of the GRASP institute , where he served as academic director. His extensive leadership experience and ability to connect with others make him ideally suited for this role."
