In recent years, they brought Leiden University closer to its goal of being an inclusive and diverse academic community.

Judith Jansen: 'Over the past few weeks, I have already met many students and staff working to strengthen diversity and inclusion. In the coming period, I will be talking to many more people. I want to get a clear picture of where we stand and how we, as Expertise Office, can support the university in creating both policy and visibility. Especially when the team is soon back to strength and we'll have more manpower.

Working on D&I means connecting with each other. Before starting at Leiden University, I worked as programme director at the national Expertise Centre Inclusive Education (ECIO) to support universities (of applied science) in realising inclusive education, student welfare and an inclusive transition from school to work. There, I experienced that you achieve the best results by working together, however difficult that may be sometimes.

Raising awareness remains as important as ever. In this regard, we will continue to hold a mirror up to the organisation as Expertise Office. I look forward to working with the various faculties, expertise offices and students to achieve our D&I (policy) goals and ambitions in the coming years.

I welcome LU colleagues and students who would like to exchange thoughts with me about D&I to get in touch.'