“I feel inspired by the young people I get to work with”
On 15 August, Annemarie van Wezel will start as the new dean of the Faculty of Geosciences, succeeding Wilco Hazeleger. After a study, PhD and a professorship by special appointment at UU, she returns to the faculty. What does she hope to bring Geo? We interviewed her to get acquainted.

Let’s get back to basics: what is your background?
“I am a UU alumnus; I studied biology here, and did my PhD at what is now called IRAS. After my PhD, I had a non-academic career working at applied research institutes: RIKZ (now Deltares), RIVM, PBL and KWR. During that time, I translated a lot of research into policy proposals or into water practice, but I always continued to publish this underpinning and integrating research.
During my KWR time, I was a professor by special appointment of Water Quality and Health at the Copernicus Institute, and then I fully re-entered academia as scientific director and professor of Environmental Ecology at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the ľϸӰ of Amsterdam (UvA). In various ancillary positions, I still translate research into practice today: for example, in the Health Council and as a member of the CTGB, which assesses the authorisation of pesticides and biocides. Besides what you do in academia, I think it is important to translate this to the outside world.”
I feel very connected to Utrecht ľϸӰ, and am looking forward to returning.
What did you achieve in your previous jobs that you are proud of?
“At UvA, I was able to do a lot regarding making staff more interdisciplinary. We got funds there that allowed us to hire people, and we did that on connection profiles. With that, we were able to achieve a curriculum renewal that is truly interdisciplinary. Together with colleagues, I also developed nice workflows in high-resolution mass spectrometry that are now being adopted internationally, and we worked hard on large scientific infrastructure to more accurately measure biodiversity.”
How does it feel to return to UU? Any new impressions?
“I feel very connected to Utrecht ľϸӰ, and am looking forward to returning. I know the university well, but there are also many new people and subjects. The faculty has grown a lot in recent years. So for the first time, I am really going to take a deep dive to listen and be inspired by what people are doing. Here and there some things need to be done as well, which is where I would like to keep my ear to the ground before I roll up my sleeves.”
At a time when there are doubts about the value of universities, it is important to communicate that value clearly, both internally and externally.
What do you hope to bring to Geo? And what are your plans for the faculty?
“What I like about the faculty is the interdisciplinary work on a common theme, together with institutes with similar themes such as TNO, Deltares, KNMI and RIVM. I hope to further strengthen the connection between the Geo sections and the knowledge-rich link to applied practice. At a time when there are doubts about the value of universities, it is important to communicate that value clearly, both internally and externally. Geosciences is a research faculty with nice infrastructure. What is its current status? What is needed there, and what are the challenges to maintain our top position?
Some work will have to be done on educational profiling, especially on the sustainability side. In these times of geopolitical tensions, profiling on those kinds of topics is important, and there is some work to be done there. I also want to know more about the people: what is the strategic human resource planning, where are the talents and how can they develop, where do we need to strengthen things? How do people feel? Do they feel heard, and can everyone participate well?”
What should people know about you?
“I’m going to try hard to be a good administrator for Geo, but you don’t do it alone – you do it together. All the people in different positions around you: together you make a beautiful faculty and a beautiful university. And I like to have fun with it together, even when it is difficult.”
Contradiction is important to me, which is why I also want people to feel free to knock on my door and voice their thoughts.
“I feel inspired by the young people I get to work with, and following their choices. My children point out generational differences to me, so I hope to be well aware of that and empathise with their perceptions. Young employees are often in a precarious position and I want to stand up for their opportunities and what they need. I always have an eye for the development of young women and people in minority positions.
Contradiction is important to me, which is why I also want people to feel free to knock on my door and voice their thoughts. A director should give direction, having heard different sides, I want to give space for and show respect to employees.”