Hubrecht Institute directorship handed over: a conversation with Alexander van Oudenaarden and Geert Kops

What was it like to suddenly be institute director? Did you feel like you still had a lot to learn?

“I had led scientific consortia before and I had quite a large research group, but leading an entire institute is of course very different. So I had to learn quite a bit. When I started, I formed a three-person board of directors together with Jeroen den Hertog and Mariëtte Oosterwegel. They helped me enormously to get through the first year, because they knew exactly how everything worked here. So that was very important to me, that they were there. I didn’t know this world yet, I never studied biology in the Netherlands. I left as a graduate student in physics and returned as the director of an institute for stem cell biology. That was of course quite unusual. So I had to find my place. I had also spent fifteen years in America and was somewhat Americanized. For example, during fundraising, together with the Friends of the Hubrecht, I often came across as a bit too arrogant, but that was because I was used to America. In the Netherlands you have to be modest. So yes, I had to learn a lot and you always continue to do so. I have seen my directorship as a great learning experience where I have learned a lot. It is a big responsibility and I am grateful that I have been entrusted with it.”

When you look back on your directorship, what are you most proud of?

“Looking back, I am most proud of the people we were able to attract and the positive impact that has on the institute. Of course, I didn’t do that alone, but together with a whole group of people. For example, if you look at our junior group leaders, they are simply the best in Europe. They work together wonderfully and each have a unique expertise that they bring to the institute. We have put a lot of energy into finding the best people internationally. And they, in turn, also attract good people. That’s what I like about a position as director, that you can do something that goes beyond your own research.”

Do you think it is necessary for the director of the institute to also be a group leader?

“Yes, I definitely think that is important. For example, you have to be deeply involved in science to see the potential in people. You can’t just look at someone’s papers or fellowships, you have to actually talk to people, see how they think and whether they are creative. Then it helps a lot, of course, if you understand how science works, and also know what is innovative and what is not. And to find and attract good people, it also helps enormously if you have an international network. So I definitely think you should have at least one active scientist on the board.”

Did you find it difficult to combine the directorship with leading your own research group?

“What’s frustrating is that sometimes there just isn’t enough time in a week. On average, half of your week is spent on being a director. So unfortunately, you can spend less time in the lab. On the other hand, I came from MIT, where I spent at least half of my time teaching, so I was used to not being able to do research full-time.”

Are you looking forward to now being able to fully focus on science?

“Yes very much. I do a lot of data analysis myself, to see what could be interesting starting points for further research. I really like that. And there was never enough time for that, so I would like to spend more time on that. It will be interesting, of course, to see if I can stay enthusiastic the whole week. But I’m quite sure I can, there is so much to do.”

How do you feel about passing the baton now?

“I think it is very good that a new director comes in every now and then, with new ideas. That can only be good for the institute. Of course I have my things, but I also have blind spots for certain things. I have full confidence that Geert will do well and wish him the best of luck. And I’m just going to stay here and enjoy having more time for science.”

Did those expectations you had in advance come true?

“Yes very much. I have learned in those eight years that the Hubrecht is a very special institute, also compared to other institutes. That combination of being small but a top institute, is something you don’t see in many places. The people here are very open to collaborations, the focus of our research is very clear, but still very diverse, and you are supported in every possible way. That makes it very pleasant to come here every day. And that ultimately led me to raise my hand for the directorship. I thought: ‘It would be great to lead such a special institute.’”

What are your plans as the new director of the Hubrecht Institute?

“What I plan to do first is to talk to a lot of people within the Hubrecht. So the heads of the departments, representative groups such as the PhD committee and the technicians, but also the people in the teams. It won’t be possible to talk to everyone, but I hope to be able to speak to as many people as possible to hear what is going on. What is going well and what could be better? I’m going to take the next few months to do that, before I start presenting concrete plans. But of course, there are certain things that I already know I’ll find important to focus on as the new director.”

Which things for example?

“Continuing to recruit top scientists, both PIs and people in the teams. It’s important to think about how we can attract as much talent as possible and train people properly. I also find it important to create a good working environment, so that people can function optimally. And I deliberately say ‘to function’ and not ‘to perform’, because that entails a kind of performance pressure. Of course, we do top science, so there will always be some kind of pressure to perform, but there has to be an environment where people are well-trained and feel comfortable. This also means that, as an institute, we act on the discussions that are currently taking place, quite rightly, on topics such as inclusivity, diversity and social safety. The same goes for sustainability. And finally, I would love to put the institute on the map of the general public a little more, and make our voices heard more often. So not only sharing our scientific findings, but getting more involved in discussions that affect our work. For example, discussions about embryo research or ‘Recognition and Rewards’. And also, to convey how incredibly important and beautiful fundamental science is. I think that there is far too little attention for this in the Netherlands. You don’t always need to be able to explain exactly how it will benefit us as a society tomorrow. It may simply be a big breakthrough in our knowledge. That really enriches our lives and that deserves more attention.”

Finally, what are you most looking forward to?

“First of all, all the beautiful science that will be done here. The unique thing about being the institute director is that you, together with others, can do the recruitment that will shape the research we do. And I’m also looking forward to working with all the enthusiastic, motivated people at the institute. I already knew it, but it struck me again in the first conversations I had, how many people are just very motivated to work for the Hubrecht Institute. From the finance team to the animal caretakers, to all other teams. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone and making sure that the institute continues to do top science while also being a fun, motivating place to work.”