Jorrit Snijder represents BUas at European summit in Paris
Jorrit Snijder, President of the Executive Board of Breda University of Applied Sciences, was a guest at an important European meeting at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in Sorbonne, Paris, on 5 May. As a representative of both BUas and the European university alliance KreativeEU, he took part in discussions about the future of science and higher education in Europe.
- About BUas
The meeting, which included contributions from President Emmanuel Macron and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasised the importance of Europe as an attractive environment for top-level research and innovation. During the event, it became clear that young scientists and Nobel Prize winners in Europe must be able to flourish, with room for academic freedom and collaboration.
Snijder was involved in discussions about the crucial role of universities of applied sciences in translating fundamental research into practical applications and economic impact more quickly. President Macron indicated that Europe needs to move faster in this area, and Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, underscored this with a powerful call: ‘Choose Europe for science—and also for entrepreneurship’.
In addition to inspiring speeches and panel discussions, the meeting offered Snijder the opportunity to talk to colleagues from Flanders and the Netherlands, representatives of the European Commission, and partners within European university networks.
A symbolic reminder of inclusion within the scientific community emerged in the auditorium of the Sorbonne: surrounded by images of iconic thinkers, the absence of Marie Curie was striking. Her historic contribution to science and her conscious choice for Europe underscore the importance of diversity within the academic landscape.
The message of this meeting was clear: Europe must continue to invest in science, talent, cooperation, and speed of innovation. With representatives such as Snijder at the table, the bridge between knowledge and practice is growing ever stronger.
