ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ

The dean of the faculty of Law, Economics and Governance has decided to appoint prof. Niels Bosma as the new Head of Department of the Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ School of Economics (U.S.E.), as of 1 September 2025.

A confidential committee initiated by dean Elaine Mak of Law, Economics and Governance, the board of the U.S.E. department and the members of the faculty Board had all positively advised on this appointment. Therefore, Mak also informed the Executive Board of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ about the intended appointment. Niels Bosma will succeed Charles van Marrewijk, who will depart in this role as head of the department of the Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ School of Economics (U.S.E.) as of 1 September.

The confidential committee observed that Niels meets all the qualities looked for in the profile, and that it became clear in the procedure that there is a broad level of trust in him in the department. I would like to congratulate Niels Bosma in advance on this appointment, and look forward to collaborating with him in this role, according to Elaine Mak.

Empathic leadership in challenging times

Current Head of Department Charles van Marrewijk on Niels Bosma: He is an excellent successor as Head of Department, as he possesses all the required qualities. Niels can empathize well with the perceptions of others, is an inspired researcher with great impact, always thinks about the functioning of the entire team, and is an excellent teacher with years of experience as Director of Studies (and thus as a member of the Executive Board). All these qualities make Niels well-liked in the department and the right choice for leadership in the challenging times ahead.

Niels Bosma himself feels honoured by the appointment: It's a true privilege to step into this role and to work with all colleagues on U.S.E.’s approach to help shape the future through research, education and impact activities. Over the past years, my experience as Director of Studies and Head of Section has deepened my understanding of U.S.E. and its connections within and beyond Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ.

I am fully aware that the coming years will bring substantial challenges. However, thanks to the solid foundation U.S.E. has built over the past years and the amazing talent and commitment of our staff, I am also confident we can become even stronger. For this I am keen on fostering an open, safe and professional environment – one that is built on integrity, ambitions and empathy as well as joy and a shared sense of purpose.

I’d like us all to take pride in being part of U.S.E., to inspire and support our students, and to collaborate on research that truly makes a difference in the world.

Niels Bosma is already a member of the U.S.E. board in his role as Director of Studies for the Master's. The procedure for his succession will begin soon.