Impact & Engagement

Making a difference together
The footbridge from Erasmus to the Tinbergen Building.

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.

Kralingse plas during sunset with city in the distance.
Jelte Lagendijk

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.
More about collaborating with EUR
Arwin van Buuren

'Social stakeholders can call me if they want to discuss collaboration'

Prof. dr. Arwin van Buuren

Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement

Meet Arwin

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.

Also read: Prominent world citizens advise Erasmus University Rotterdam on their role in society | Erasmus University Rotterdam

More about Impact & Engagement

News

EUR commits to Open Innovation Networks

In Strategy 2030, EUR focuses on Open Innovation Networks (OINs): what are OINs, why does EUR consider them so important and what is required to establish them?
Portret Michiel Besters

Research project 'Whose best interest?' sheds light on the impact of a strict return policy on the wellbeing of undocumented children

With this project the interdisciplinary research team, led by assistant professor Laura Cleton (ESSB), won the ORS Award in the Societal Engagement category.
Researchers Laura Cleton and Nour Samira Hjeij during a guest lecture at The International School of The Hague.

Launch of HIER: strengthened civic engagement across South Holland

HIER - the Hub for Impactful and Engaged Research - is a new collaborative initiative that brings together five leading knowledge institutions in South Holland.
vijf molens op de kinderdijk die in de horizon verdwijnen

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology wants to extend the successful Solid Start approach

Shortly before his retirement, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Eric Steegers wants to apply the proven approach of Solid Start in many more areas.
Eric Steegers looks into the camera.

Economists are interested in everything that is scarce and that people consider valuable

In this interview, Erasmus Professor Frank van Oort discusses his research into prosperity. He is an important link between the government and science.
Frank van Oord als spreker tijdens de Rotterdam Lezing 2025

Seven points on how the new Dutch government should deal with the migration crisis

Why is migration always an election issue? Professor Peter Scholten discusses the key points for the new Dutch government in migration policy.
Professor Peter Scholten gives a mini lecture during Studio Erasmus.

Civic Engagement in Action 2026: Empowering Researchers and Educators to Make an Impact

Training for Early-Career Researchers and Educators
Erasmus statue on campus.

Contact Team Impact & Engagement

Arwin van Buuren

Arwin van Buuren

Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement

Email address
vanbuuren@essb.eur.nl

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