Prof. dr. ir. J. Bakker 1998 - 2019

When Jaap Bakker became chair on September 1st 1998, the future of Nematology as an independent chairgroup was far from guaranteed. Initially, he got a 0.5 professorship appointment. Later on, when it became clear (to the outside world) that Nematology was a viable chairgroup, this was upgraded to a full professorship (in 2004). By underlining the importance of education as one of our central tasks, in combination a good nose for funding opportunities, the Laboratory of Nematology started to flourish. In 2019, Jaap could hand over a very healthy chairgroup to his successor, Geert Smant.