Jan M. Smits was not only my PhD supervisor who supported me and mentored me through the agony of writing a PhD, but he was the person who saw potential in me and gave me the idea - and the inspiration - to leave legal practice for the world of academia. While we’ve had our various differences of opinion over the years, I have enjoyed working with him (i.e. translating his contract law book into Japanese), learned a lot from him, and for all of these things, I will always be grateful to him.
Last month, Jan published an opinion piece on the Dutch newspaper, NRC, advocating to abolish the hierarchy within academia (i.e. the distinction between a full professor, associate professor, and an assistant professor). My colleagues in the Maastricht Young Academy and I drafted a response in support of Jan’s opinion, which has not only sparked a discussion, but triggered some fierce resistance to his ideas.
In light of these events (and for many other reasons), it is my absolute pleasure to announce the upcoming Growing Up in Science event with Jan hosted by the Maastricht Young Academy!! Spaces are limited so for those interested, please register ASAP!!
