Researchers and students at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) are engaged and impact-driven: by collaborating with partners in the wider community, we contribute to practical and sustainable solutions to complex societal challenges.
Impact strategy
EUR is an engaged university. This s set out in our Vision & Strategy 2030. Our mission is to create a positive societal impact. Through our teaching and research, we aim to contribute to a better society. In our definition of societal impact we explain what this means.
Our focus is on five impact domains. These are pressing social issues where our knowledge, expertise and networks can make a difference.
Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement
To drive the implementation of the strategy, EUR appointed a Strategic Dean for Impact & Engagement on 1 Paril 2024. This position is held by Professor Arwin van Buuren. The Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement:
- acts as an ambassador;
- drives strategic priorities such as open innovation networks;
- advises the Executive Board (CvB) and the Board of Deans (CvD) on the themes of impact and engagement and reports on progress;
- fosters connections and acts as a point of contact for civil society organisations seeking to collaborate with EUR.
Team Impact & Engagement
Led by the Strategic Dean, the Impact & Engagement team ensures that collaboration between EUR and society runs smoothly. The team also works on further developing the internal organisation and infrastructure for impact and engagement. Furthermore, the team develops and shares expertise on evaluating societal impact. The Impact & Engagement team includes strategic advisors, subject matter experts in the fields of education, research and engagement, as well as project and programme managers from within the organisation.
Engagement Board
The EUR Engagement Board provides the Executive Board (CvB) with strategic advice on strengthening the university's societal engagement. The Engagement Board facilitates the exchange of knowledge, the development of a shared vision and the embedding of engagement throughout the university. The board is chaired by the Strategic Dean for Impact & Engagement Arwin van Buuren.
Societal Advisory Council (MRA)
The Societal Advisory Council (MRA) is formed by representatives from civil society. The MRA advises the EUR from a societal perspective. It also makes recommendations on long-term developments and the EUR's strategic direction. The MRA can be contacted via strategicdean@eur.nl.
More about Impact & Engagement
News
In the spotlight
Contact Team Impact & Engagement

Arwin van Buuren
Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement
- Email address
- vanbuuren@essb.eur.nl

