We are looking for a new scientific member of the Supervisory Board.

The Fryske Akademy, affiliated with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), was founded in 1938 as a scientific institute that conducts fundamental and applied research into the Frisian language, history, and culture in a broad sense. Since 1987, the Fryske Akademy has also been the proud host of the Mercator European Research Centre, which focuses on research into and the application of knowledge about multilingualism and minority languages. In 2021, these missions are still at the forefront, also in the ambitious plans that the Fryske Akademy is now developing. The Fryske Akademy is a flat organisation in which scientists, non-scientific staff, and the small management team work closely together. A core team of around 15 researchers, supported by project-based (guest) researchers, works on high-quality research into long-term developments of the Frisian case in a European and comparative perspective, as well as into specific themes and on the development of practical (digital) applications for society. The themes studied vary from language description, multilingualism and language learning to history, society, culture, and identity, which are carried out on a project basis. Expertise in the Frisian language is used to work on major themes that reach beyond Friesland alone, and with expertise from partners, a new way of looking at the Frisian language, culture, and history is developed. The Fryske Akademy wants to focus even more on opportunities for talented researchers and multi- and interdisciplinary research, for which it collaborates with regional, national, and international partners. Moreover, the Akademy wants to strengthen its position in Europe by communicating its expertise and exchanging knowledge more widely.

The foundation Fryske Akademy is managed by Managing Director Dr. Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm. The Supervisory Board is responsible for supervising the general course of events in the Foundation and the management and policies pursued by the managing director. The Board currently consists of five members. Due to the departure of a member who has reached the maximum term of office, a vacancy for a member of the Supervisory Board will become available on 1 October 2021. A colleague with a scientific background is specifically sought.
 

Interested people with extensive scientific experience, who possess the following specific qualities, are invited to apply:

• scientific authority, preferably with demonstrable research performance in one of the fields covered by the research of the Fryske Akademy;
• wide-ranging managerial experience, especially in the fields of scientific research, higher education, and relevant civil society organisations (including evaluation of scientific research);
• a broad and active network with good connections with relevant institutions inside and especially outside Fryslân, such as universities, the UCF, NWO and KNAW;
• familiarity, affinity, and involvement with the task, vision, mission and field of the Fryske Akademy, and with the specific social and academic developments in Fryslân and beyond; and
• willing and able to assess the scientific developments within the Fryske Akademy in a substantive and independent manner.
   

Selected candidates are appointed by the Supervisory Board of the Fryske Akademy, on the binding nomination of the KNAW, after consultation with the Province of Fryslân. Members are appointed for an initial term of four years, after which they may be reappointed for a second term of four years.

Fryske Akademy

The Fryske Akademy is an Academy research institute that conducts advanced and innovative research on the Frisian language, culture, history and society. It delivers innovative research findings, performs research in support of policymaking and develops digital research tools and collections, thereby showcasing Friesland in the regional, national and international arena.