The importance of science cannot be overemphasised.
Han Entzinger
Professor Emeritus
Han Entzinger, emeritus professor of migration and integration studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, donates annually to the Erasmus University Rotterdam Fund. The importance of science, as he himself puts it, ''cannot be overemphasised''.
"In the United States, universities thrive on donations, particularly from alumni. There is a real culture of giving there. In Europe, this is much less developed,‘ says Han Entzinger, emeritus professor of migration and integration studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He donates annually to the Erasmus University Rotterdam Fund and to the UAF (for refugee students) and is still involved in academia. ’You can continue to write and keep up with your field," he says.
Science under pressure
''Universities could use some extra support,'' says Entzinger. "In the 1980s and 1990s in particular, we received a lot of research assignments from the government in the social sciences. That is less the case now, or they go to commercial agencies. In addition, science unfortunately seems to be under pressure, and with it the independence of information. There is a lot of fake news that is not or cannot be verified, but is nevertheless believed. Some people see science as ''just another opinion''. Of course, that's not how it works."
''The open Rotterdam atmosphere and direct character are still there.''
Han Entzinger
Professor Emeritus
How did this happen? Social media is often blamed. Entzinger thinks that's too one-sided. "Sure, social media often lacks quality control for information. But we've been dealing with propaganda for decades, if not centuries. Media is now accessible to everyone, which means you hear more minority opinions. That's a good thing, as long as we are aware of differences in the quality of information. I remain positive and believe that most people still see the nuances."
Interdisciplinary
Han Entzinger studied sociology in Leiden, where he also obtained his doctorate. As an expert in the field of migration, integration and multiculturalism, he advised the government, municipalities, the European Commission and the Council of Europe. He was a professor at Utrecht University until he moved to Erasmus University Rotterdam in 2001. Entzinger: ''Rotterdam was not new to me. I had already taken courses here during my studies. It was the year in which what was then still called the Netherlands School of Economics moved. Before Christmas, we were located on Pieter de Hoochweg, and afterwards on Woudestein, which was then on the outskirts of the city. What was special about EUR was its interdisciplinary character. Law students were taught economics courses and economics students were taught law courses. That's how it should be; you need to acquire a broad academic foundation. There is less room for that in the current structure, but fortunately we have the University Colleges. However, the open Rotterdam atmosphere and direct character are still there."
Alumni and former employees
During his years at EUR, Entzinger received a grant from the Erasmus University Rotterdam Fund. ''As I said, the importance of science cannot be overstated. Until recently, I was chair of one of the named funds within the Erasmus University Rotterdam Fund, which financed activities for foreign students. When that fund was discontinued due to declining revenues, the money was spent on language courses for refugee students and on Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian students who were here when the invasion came and could no longer withdraw money. It's great that alumni and former employees donate. Many people who are retired are keen to contribute." Any tips on how to reach them? ''Perhaps a nice magazine could be published with information about the EUR in the past and present. Not digitally, but on paper, as other universities do.''