As in past years, there were so many inspring submissions, the jury of the Van Bergen Award decided not only to award two initiatives with funding for their proposals, but also to announce two nominees who will be given the chance to further develop their plans in cooperation with the Van Bergen Fund.
Going Dutch! is an idea invented by Gareth O’Neill, Julia Heuritsch and Charlotte de Roon. Going Dutch! is about bringing incoming international PhDs in contact with Dutch PhDs to learn about life in Leiden and the Netherlands. Many international PhD candidates have a tough time moving to another country and integrating into a new language and culture. They also find it hard to adjust to the administrative and social culture within their new university. Going Dutch! plans a series of four cultural day trips. New international PhDs will be coupled with Dutch PhDs throughout the year, where they can share experiences and get to know each other in an informal yet educational setting. The key words of Going Dutch! are integration, friendship and fun.
Read the full article on the Van Bergen Award 2016.