President of the Executive Board Annetje Ottow presented the new Strategic Plan at the Dies Natalis
‘It truly is a plan by and for us all,’ said Annetje Ottow, President of the Executive Board, at the presentation of the new Strategic Plan ‘Innovating and Connecting.’ She referred to the many meetings, online and offline, with students, staff and critical friends who all offered their opinions on the University’s new course in the coming years.
The meetings provided a valuable insight, said Ottow: we could share more of our knowledge with others and apply it more widely. The focus of the new strategy is therefore on strengthening connections, among disciplines and with society. ‘Scientific and societal challenges make this necessary and we in Leiden, with all we have to offer, can provide outstanding added value.’
Building on a healthy, engaged and learning community
It is not just important what exactly we are going to do, but also how we do things, said Ottow. She emphasised that the staff workload and a safe environment are high on the agenda. ‘We want to continue to build on a healthy, engaged and learning community, where issues can be identified and addressed in open discussions, with respect for one another.’ Ottow called on everyone to ‘put their shoulders to the wheel’. She ended by looking both back and ahead: ‘Leiden University has weathered many storms and pandemics and is ready to face the future. Our new strategic plan will point us in the right direction in the coming years.’