Gavin Hazell, the recently appointed Programme Director at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maastricht University, is on a mission to elevate the master’s programs and foster growth. Relocating from the UK to Maastricht, Hazell brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to his new role, where he is responsible for master’s programs in Systems Biology, Biobased Materials, and Imaging Engineering.
Hazell, formerly at the University of Chester, chose Maastricht for its opportunities and the chance to live in a smaller city in mainland Europe. His enthusiasm for the diverse scientific research and the team-centered atmosphere at Maastricht University is evident from his first impressions.
“The university gave me a warm welcome. I am amazed by the sheer diversity of the science being done here. The scale of the facilities, like the Chemelot Campus, is impressive. I like to work with people, so I love the team-centered atmosphere,” Hazell remarked.
One of the aspects that excites Hazell the most is Maastricht University’s educational system, particularly Project-Centred Learning. He expressed his eagerness to leave his mark by growing student numbers and potentially expanding the programs, emphasizing the high quality of education and the focus on training multidisciplinary generalist scientists.
“I want to leave my mark on the programs in terms of growing numbers of students and possibly by expanding the programs as well,” Hazell stated. He aims to increase the number of students in programs like Imaging Engineering and believes he can attract more students from Dutch universities and even universities for applied science.
Hazell’s goals align with the national discussion on internationalization in Dutch higher education. When asked about his awareness of this topic before moving, Hazell admitted, “To be honest, I did not know about it. But I became acutely aware when I arrived here.” Despite this, he remains undeterred, stating that he chose Maastricht University for its opportunities, and the discussion on internationalization would not have affected his decision.
As Hazell settles into Maastricht with his wife, the duo is exploring the cultural and culinary delights of the region. Hazell is eager to immerse himself in the local language, having enrolled in a Dutch language program. With an open-door policy, Hazell encourages those involved in the programs to engage with him as he familiarizes himself with the university and collaborates with colleagues to enhance the educational experience for all students.
