The Community for Learning & Innovation (CLI) of the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is pleased to welcome Professor Maarten Frens as Academic Director, effective 1 January 2027.
An experienced academic leader
Maarten Frens is currently Vice-Dean of Education at Erasmus MC and Scientific Director of its Graduate School. After a career as a scientist and Full Professor of Systems Physiology, he developed into an experienced academic leader. He was Founding Dean of Erasmus University College. Since 2019, he has led the strategic development, quality and innovation of Erasmus MC’s education portfolio, ranging from bachelor’s and master’s programmes to PhD and healthcare education. He also holds various governance and supervisory roles in the fields of education, accreditation and knowledge development. In his work, he brings together professionals, students, administrators and societal partners around innovation, quality and societal impact.
His role at CLI
As Academic Director, Maarten will play a key role in the further development of CLI. To this end, CLI has drawn up a proposal for the period up to and including 2031, which is now being finalised. Building on this, Maarten will work with the team to take the steps needed to put these plans into practice. Together with CLI Manager Mirjam van de Woerdt, Maarten will form CLI’s new management team.
With his experience in educational innovation and his knowledge of EUR’s various campuses, Maarten can make a valuable contribution to our mission: enabling enriching learning experiences by promoting excellence in teaching. In the run-up to his official start, he is already in regular contact with CLI whenever his schedule allows. This will enable him to step into his role naturally from January 2027.
Maarten: “I have often worked with the CLI and know what this team is capable of. I look forward to being part of it and taking the next step together.”
Welcome
Rector Magnificus Professor Jantine Schuit also welcomes Maarten in this role: “Maarten has proven himself time and again as an innovator in education. It is wonderful that, with his expertise, administrative experience, and network within the university, he will help strengthen the educational community and foster educational innovation across Erasmus University.”
Thank you to Arwin van Buuren and Jason Pridmore
Professor Arwin van Buuren and Professor Jason Pridmore will remain members of the management team as academic leads through December 2026. Since January 2025, they have guided CLI’s work on impact-driven education (Arwin) and digitalisation and AI in education (Jason). The CLI is grateful for their dedication and commitment. Arwin and Jason will continue in their roles on these themes within EUR.
- More information
The Community for Learning & Innovation (CLI) contributes to the strategic goal of future-oriented education at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). In collaboration with the faculties, the CLI develops educational innovations and contributes to scientific research to make them more evidence-informed. Visit our website for more information or email us at cli@eur.nl.
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