Programme manager

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laurie Slegtenhorst is the Programme manager for the steering group. She previously advocated for the wellbeing of PhD candidates as Chair of the Faculty Council at Erasmus University and worked on national policies for burnout prevention and psychosocial work-related stress at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Laurie draws on her diverse experience to support the steering group in achieving its goals. </span></p>


Laurie Slegtenhorst

Together, we strengthen social safety in higher education and science. 

About the steering group

Chair

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Febe Deug is actively involved in promoting social safety from multiple perspectives. She serves as the chair of the Steering Group Social Safety, the independent Integrity Committee at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mores (the platform against harassment in the cultural and media sectors) and Radar (anti-discrimination). Additionally, she is a supervisor in the education sector. Previously, Febe worked as a consultant, assisting organisations in developing diversity and inclusion policies. She has also conducted research on sexual violence, published on the topic and provided training and advice on prevention and response strategies.  </span></p>


Febe Deug

Covenant partner

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Abdelkader Karbache is Chair of the Dutch Student Union (LSVb) for the 2023-2024 academic year. He studied Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft and has experience in student representation, including participation in university governance. Through the steering group, Abdelkader advocates for the voices of students affected by misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. His goal is to contribute to a safer learning environment for all.  </span></p>


Abdelkader Karbache

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Annet Lekkerkerker has been a member of the Executive Board of the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) since 2019 and has served as Chair since 2023. Within the steering group, she represents universities of applied sciences on behalf of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH). Annet is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning and working environment where students and staff can thrive and develop their talents. </span></p>


Annet Lekkerkerker

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arnoud Lagendijk is a Professor of Economic Geography at Radboud University Nijmegen and a board member of the General Education Union (AOb). With extensive expertise in regional development, innovation and strategic planning, he has published widely on clustering, regional identities, and mobility. Arnoud is deeply committed to social safety, focusing on both direct support for affected individuals and policy development. He bridges academic research with practical solutions, contributing to initiatives that connect local and global processes. </span></p>


Arnoud Lagendijk

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benthe van Wanrooij is Chair of the PhD Network Netherlands (PNN), the national advocacy organisation for PhD candidates. Representing both PNN and PostdocNL, she is dedicated to improving social safety in academic workplaces. Benthe is also a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam, researching accessibility in higher education. Her mission is to create a safe and inclusive working environment where early-career researchers can reach their full potential.  </span></p>


Benthe van Wanrooij

Convenant partner Uitermate

<p>Gwendolyn Hermans serves as Secretary of the Dutch National Student Association (ISO), the largest student advocacy organisation in the Netherlands. For her, social safety is a priority, as it is essential for personal growth and academic success. Within the steering group, Gwendolyn ensures that the voices of students are heard and strives to contribute to lasting changes that make social safety a standard across the sector.</p>


Gwendolyn Hermans 

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jantine Schuit is the Rector Magnificus of Erasmus University Rotterdam (since November 2024). With a background in health and prevention, she has held various roles at the RIVM and in higher education, including as Dean and Professor at Tilburg University. Within the Steering Group, Jantine is committed to fostering a socially and psychologically safe academic environment where students and staff feel protected and can thrive. </span></p>
<p>Within the steering group, she represents the universities on behalf of Universities of the Netherlands</p>


Jantine Schuit

Expert

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marijke Naezer is a cultural anthropologist and gender studies scholar, working as an independent researcher. Her expertise lies in gender, diversity and sexuality. She has conducted groundbreaking research on social safety in academia (2019) and the Dutch Parliament (2023). In addition to her research, Marijke delivers lectures and advises organisations on workplace safety and misconduct prevention. She leverages her academic insights within the steering group to drive practical improvements. </span></p>


Marijke Naezer 

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paul Goossens is the Manager of Integral Safety at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, where he oversees the coordination of integrity issues and incidents. With over 40 years of experience in safety and security, Paul has developed tools such as a social safety monitor and resources on concerning behaviour and polarisation. He is dedicated to integrating care and safety within higher education and applies a multidisciplinary approach. Paul holds a Master’s in Security &amp; Risk Management from Leicester University (2006).  </span></p>


Paul Goossens

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sandra Groeneveld is a Professor of Public Management at Leiden University, specialising in leadership, diversity and inclusion in public organisations. Sandra views social safety as a critical prerequisite for innovation and learning, and she brings her extensive expertise to the steering group’s mission. Previously, Sandra served on the board of the Dutch Network of Women Professors (LNVH) and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) Advisory Committee on Social Safety in Academia.  </span></p>


Sandra Groeneveld

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<div class="p-rich_text_section">Saniye Çelik is a Special Professor of Diversity and Inclusion at the Police, affiliated with the National Police, and a lecturer at Leiden University of Applied Sciences. She is an expert in diversity, leadership and social safety. Saniye believes that social safety thrives in cultures built on trust, respect and openness. Through the steering group, she aims to connect academic research with practical solutions, fostering inclusive and safe learning and working environments.</div>
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Saniye Çelik

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Willy van Berlo works at Rutgers, focusing on the prevention of sexual misconduct and violence. She combines research with the development and implementation of interventions for vulnerable groups and the training of professionals working with young people. Through Rutgers, Willy also leads campaigns to influence social norms. In the steering group, she brings her expertise to contribute to safer learning and working environments in higher education.  </span></p>


Willy van Berlo

The steering group comprises representatives from six covenant partners: Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH), FNV/AOb, the National Student Union (LSVb), the Dutch National Student Association (ISO) and the PhD Network Netherlands (PNN), which also represents PostdocNL.  

Five independent experts also participate, bringing specialised knowledge on topics such as social safety, diversity and inclusion, integrated safety, organisational change and sexual harassment. The steering group is led by an independent chair and supported by a programme team.  