Jip Lenssen is the new Policy and Project Officer of EURASHE. Get to know him better through this interview, where he shares his views about EURASHE, inspirations, and interests.
Hello Jip, could you please introduce yourself to the EURASHE community? Who are you?
Thank you for the warm welcome! My name is Jip. Growing up in The Hague, the international capital of Peace and Justice, I have always valued the importance of the global community. This passion led me to pursue European Studies, followed by a master’s degree in European Studies and Human Rights. As an alumnus of a University of Applied Sciences, I deeply appreciate its vital role in bridging academia and industry, fostering innovation, increasing employability, and promoting societal empowerment through inclusive and sustainable growth and collaboration. I am excited to contribute to this mission at EURASHE.
How do you think your past experiences will support you in your new role?
My academic background in European Studies and Human Rights has provided me with a strong foundation in EU policy, governance, and human rights. As a policy and project officer at the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), I developed valuable project management skills and gained insight into regional development. I strive to apply this background and my hands-on approach in my daily work at EURASHE.
Now that you’ve spent a few days at EURASHE, what are your first impressions of the association?
I have received a truly warm welcome at EURASHE. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, providing me with a comprehensive overview of the association and its work. Everyone is highly engaged with EURASHE’s activities and mission, and always eager to help wherever they can. I look forward to collaborating with them to enhance the impact of Applied Higher Education in Europe through continuous dialogue and cooperation with our stakeholders.
What are the key objectives you hope to achieve at EURASHE?
My objectives at EURASHE are to represent the members’ interests at European level and beyond, to contribute to the wider sectoral aims. I want to contribute to EURASHE being a space for members and stakeholders to get together and connect, communicate, exchange ideas, and contribute to policy development that benefits the sector and society at large. Furthermore, I aim to further contribute to these sector’s priorities by successfully implementing some of the projects EURASHE is involved in.
What are the initial projects or tasks you are focusing on?
I will be working on three projects: ETILabs, HUCOLabs, and U!Innovate. Two of these projects are in their early stages, which is particularly exciting as it allows me to be onboarded alongside the project partners. Additionally, my focus will be on Research and Innovation policy, meaning I will be actively involved in the EURASHE Research Community of Practice and other related initiatives.
In your view, what should be EURASHE’s top priorities moving forward?
Since my primary focus is on Research and Innovation, I believe the best way to approach this question is from that perspective. With discussions underway for the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), and given the current geopolitical tensions and ongoing ecological crisis, universities of applied sciences play a crucial role in driving sustainable solutions through research and innovation. At EURASHE, I am committed to representing the interests of our members before the European institutions and beyond.
What do you see as the main challenges facing Higher Education Institutions today?
We are living in challenging times, where political tensions are disrupting consensus on the path forward. At the same time, there is a growing demand for new skills and a highly qualified workforce to drive the successful execution of the green and digital transition while ensuring social inclusion. Navigating this delicate balance between adaptation and the need for certainty remains a key challenge.
Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration?
I find the most inspiration in my grandfather, whose dedication, work ethic, and values inspire me in my everyday life.
How does a perfect day look for you?
To me, a perfect day is one where I can freely express my creativity. Whether through art, music, or any other form that resonates, creativity is liberating; it fosters happiness and a sense of freedom that should be cherished and encouraged. For me, such a day might include attending a concert or exhibition, or simply enjoying a record.
A wish?
If I had one wish, it would be to see an end to the world’s conflicts.
A song?
I am a big music fan, so this might have been the most difficult question you have asked me. However, I finally landed on a Dutch song by Spinvis. The song is called “Paradijs,” which translates to paradise in English. I will leave it up to the listener to interpret the lyrics.
