News
Prof. Jack van der Vorst steps down as director of WUR Social Sciences Group
Prof.dr ir. Jack van der Vorst has decided to step down as managing director of the Social Sciences Group per 1 September 2024. Due to personal circumstances, after 9 years of service as director, he wants to make room for new leadership that can bring full energy and new inspiration.
Jack van der Vorst: “Leading the Social Sciences Group at WUR is a true honour and pleasure. Working with highly devoted and qualified colleagues and realising significant scientific and societal impact together, as well as with many external partners, makes me smile every day. In current times, our group is more relevant than ever: the societal transitions we stand for require deep insights and understanding of human behaviour, economic and political mechanisms, and transformation processes. Nonetheless, given the fact that I am still recovering from long covid, and since the position of director requires more than full commitment and energy, it is time to take a turn and have more time for myself and my family.”
“We thank Jack for his contribution to WUR and SSG. As managing director, he has meant and still means a lot for the unity within SSG, while safeguarding and advancing the high quality of the science unit. We wish him all the best in his new position. We are glad he remains at WUR”, says WUR President of the Executive Board dr ir. Sjoukje Heimovaara.
In the coming months, Jack will continue leading SSG and give specific attention to the realisation of the merger between WEcR and WCDI and the establishment of the new institute leadership team. He is looking forward to returning to his academic aspirations and will continue at WUR as a Personal Professor. The search process for a new managing director has started, aiming, of course, for a smooth transition from Van der Vorst to his successor.