Erik Buskens appointed as interim Scientific Director at the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health

At the recommendation of the Board of the University of Groningen, Erik Buskens has been appointed as the new Scientific Director of the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health (AJSPH) with immediate effect. Buskens, Professor of Population Health Management at the UMCG, Faculty of Economics and Business (UG), and AJSPH, succeeds Brigit Toebes. Brigit Toebes is going to focus entirely on her role as Professor of Health Law in a Global Context at the Faculty of Law of the UG.

The AJSPH is delighted with Buskens’ appointment, following in the footsteps of Mierau and Toebes. Managing Director Frederic van Kleef: ‘We are greatly pleased with Erik Buskens’ appointment—his interdisciplinary perspective on health is of exceptional quality and thus fits perfectly with our research and teaching activities.’

About Erik Buskens

Meanwhile, Buskens remains affiliated with the UMCG, until recently as Professor of Health Technology Assessment, and now as Professor of Population Health Management, which fits even better with the AJSPH’s mission and vision. Buskens is one of the founders of Healthy Ageing in the Northern Netherlands. Since 2006, he has been working at the UMCG, increasingly focusing on influencing and managing health determinants through care and healthcare systems, part of which includes influences from society and the environment.

He is no stranger to the AJSPH. In recent years, he has contributed significantly to Aletta Education in his role of Education Lead. In addition, Buskens is Chair of the Curriculum Board of the Master’s degree in Healthy Ageing Professional at Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The aim has been and remains transition, transdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning, focusing on public health issues.

Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health

The Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health is a collaboration between the University of Groningen, the University Medical Center Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Together, they are the connecting force in the area of public health. The AJSPH facilitates interaction, builds bridges between researchers, lecturers, residents, professionals within and outside healthcare, as well as policymakers in the Northern Netherlands and beyond national borders. In these interactions, the AJSPH contributes to knowledge exchange and equal participation.

The AJSPH is also a pioneer. To face regional challenges, established frameworks are being torn down. The AJSPH empowers innovative ideas and initiatives, and stimulates innovative teaching. Taking into account the living environment and keeping an open and inclusive attitude, we are building a future for a healthier life together.