Dr N.A.J. (Natascha) van der Zwan appointed Professor of Global and Local Governance, with a Focus on Security at the University of Groningen, Campus Fryslân

Chair in Public Administration
Campus Fryslân is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Natascha van der Zwan as Professor at the University of Groningen. Dr Van der Zwan is a public administration scholar and will, as from 15 October, hold the chair Global and Local Governance, with a Focus on Security. The chair is based at Campus Fryslân, the University’s interdisciplinary faculty in Leeuwarden.

Broad security and resilience
The chair focuses on the complex and multidimensional issues of governance and broad security in a globalized world. Security is interpreted in a broad sense and covers themes such as climate change, economic stability and social security, migration, digital threats, and societal resilience and preparedness.

Dr Van der Zwan’s research will examine the influence of global developments and power relations on local policy. The chair thus aligns closely with Campus Fryslân’s compelling motto: local solutions for global challenges.

Prof dr mr Tjalling Halbertsma, Dean of Campus Fryslân, states: ‘The appointment of Natascha van der Zwan is a tremendous asset to the Faculty. Drawing on her broad international experience, she will play a key role in enhancing Campus Fryslân’s profile in the field of public administration and governance. As Professor, Dr Van der Zwan will also develop new educational tracks at Campus Fryslân in the areas of governance, broad security, and resilience, in close collaboration with regional partner institutions. Collaboration with other faculties within the University of Groningen, as well as close coordination with the Thorbecke Academy of NHL Stenden and the recently established Security Campus in Assen, will be essential.’

About Dr Natascha van der Zwan
This appointment also marks a broadening and deepening of Dr Van der Zwan’s research. She is currently Associate Professor at the Institute of Public Administration within the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs at Leiden University. In addition to her role as PhD Dean, she coordinates an NWO Vidi project on the political and institutional dimensions of sustainable finance.

’Global developments such as geopolitical shifts and climate change largely determine the security of our society. Yet the foundations of a secure society are built through local political and administrative arrangements, economic resilience, and social security. Realizing broad security is therefore an exceptionally complex governance challenge. Campus Fryslân excels in interdisciplinary and societally relevant research and teaching, and is the ideal place to explore this important issue. I am very enthusiastic about this meaningful appointment.'

About Campus Fryslân
Campus Fryslân is the youngest and eleventh faculty of the University of Groningen, located in Leeuwarden. Here, students engage in innovative education, and dedicated researchers study themes of global significance for which locally grounded solutions are sought: Global challenges, local solutions is therefore the Faculty’s motto. The Faculty’s research focuses on the following domains: Circular Society and Economy; Sustainable Environment and Wellbeing; Responsible Governance and Technology.