Royal Decorations for three University of Groningen employees

On Friday 24 April 2015, three people nominated by the University of Groningen were awarded Royal Decorations. Mr A. (Bert) Kamstra was appointed Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau. Prof. Y.R.M. (Roelien) Bastiaanse and Prof. P.D. (Peter) Barthel were appointed Knights of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.

Professor P.D. (Peter) Barthel

Peter Barthel (1952), Professor of Astrophysics of Active Galaxies, has been a staunch and active supporter of sharing science with the masses since starting his PhD research. He is a gifted speaker with a knack for making young people enthusiastic about his field. This intrinsic passion fuels his commitment to the orientation and information activities organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, which include the Science Support Desk to help secondary school pupils with profile assignments and a ‘schools network’ in which the University works together with school teachers. Thanks to Barthel’s enthusiasm, these activities resulted in the foundation of the Pre-University College, an activity that introduces secondary school pupils to the University and gives them a good impression of the programmes on offer. The Children’s University for primary schoolchildren is also part of the Pre-University College. Peter Barthel has been made a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. › read more

Professor Y.R.M. (Roelien) Bastiaanse

Prof. Roelien Bastiaanse (1955) is Professor of Neurolinguistics and an acclaimed researcher in the field of problems with verb tenses and grammatical disorders. She studies the linguistic and neurological implications of aphasia, and ensures that her research has a practical impact on diagnosing and treating aphasia. Bastiaanse enjoys an outstanding reputation as an expert in neurolinguistics, and in aphasiology in particular. She is a world-famous pioneer and leading researcher in her field, who has given a significant, internationally acknowledged boost to innovations in research, education, the training of young researchers and patient care. The numbers of invitations to give lectures and seats on editorial boards and independent committees of international experts bear testimony to her exceptional qualities. Roelien Bastiaanse has been made a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. › read more

A. (Bert) Kamstra

Bert Kamstra (1953) has worked full-time at the Reception of the University’s Academy Building since 1986. He is also an enthusiastic, active member of the Referees’ Association for Groningen and surrounding areas. As a member of the technical committee, he is in charge of organizing various football tournaments. At one point, he stepped down from this official position, indicating that would still be available if needed. As it turned out, he was asked to help so often that he was officially reinstated. He has been on the board of editors for the club magazine since 1996 and is responsible for providing gifts for anniversaries, injuries and illness. He performs this task with the utmost care and has never been known to miss an important event. Bert Kamstra has been appointed Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau. › lees meer