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Henk Kummeling has been awarded the Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� silver medal. Kummeling was presented with the medal by Karin Laglas, Chair of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��'s Supervisory Board, during the Dies Natalis on 26th March 2025.

Henk Kummeling served as Rector Magnificus of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� from June 1, 2018 to March 26, 2025. In that role, his areas of responsibility included education, research, student policy and student organisations. During the Dies Natalis, the anniversary of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, he handed over the rectorship to Wilco Hazeleger. Kummeling decided to not fully serve his term as rector because the main policy goals with which he took office are now firmly on track. Furthermore, he feels the need to return to being more engaged in teaching and research as a university professor.

“As rector, Henk made an enormous contribution to Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��,” says Anton Pijpers, President of UU’s Executive Board. “For example, under his leadership, the Open Science movement really took shape within Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� through themes such as open access, open data and recognition and rewards.”

Pijpers: “In addition, Henk has always felt a tremendous connection to education. He has dedicated himself to the (intranet, only accessible with Solis-id). The core of which is that education should not only be focused on knowledge transfer. Elements such as socialization, personalization and the equipping we give students are also very important.”

“Kummeling also makes a case for university collaborations with the Global South, for example in Suriname and South Africa. He is a real bridge builder who connects universities around the world. It was therefore self-evident to the rest of the Executive Board that Henk deserved this medal as a token of appreciation.”