Theo Bakker appointed as leading professor Global & Inclusive Learning

The major societal challenges of our time come together here.

As of 15 April 2026, Theo Bakker will start as Leading Professor of the Centre of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. For Bakker, this step feels like a natural next phase. He has been closely involved with the development of the centre and its potential role for some time.

According to Bakker, the Centre of Expertise is closely connected to the key challenges of our time. “What could be more urgent than the major societal issues that come together here?” he says. He refers to international relations, ethical questions surrounding technology and AI, and the need for inclusion and sustainability. “Underlying all of this is the promise of transformative education and research - something that is highly expected, but in practice also complex and at times uncertain.” 

A strong foundation, with more to build

Over the past year, the centre has made significant progress, Bakker observes. “There is now a shared narrative, a clear annual plan, and more structure in place. You can really see that.”

At the same time, he sees plenty of room for further development. “We’re not there yet. We will continue to strengthen our practice-based research, increase our societal relevance, and make our impact more visible.” That combination—a solid foundation alongside clear opportunities for growth—is what makes the role particularly appealing to him.

We will continue to strengthen our practice-based research, increase our societal relevance, and make our impact more visible.

Collaboration as a foundation

In Bakker’s view, everything ultimately comes down to collaboration. Not only with external partners, but perhaps even more so within the team itself.

“It only works if you do it together,” he says. “That means reaching out to each other, asking questions, and sometimes experiencing friction. That’s part of the process.”

According to him, the key lies in how you handle that. “If you build trust, honour agreements, and communicate clearly, you can go a long way.”

He sees himself as part of that collective effort: “I’m part of the team, but also responsible for providing direction when needed.”

It only works if you do it together – that means reaching out to each other, asking questions, and sometimes experiencing friction.

Creating space while providing direction

Bakker describes his approach as inquisitive and reflective. “I ask a lot of questions, stay curious, and try to truly understand what’s going on.”

At the same time, the role also requires decisiveness. “Sometimes you need to be clear, set boundaries, and make decisions. That’s part of the role as well.” According to him, the strength lies precisely in that balance: creating space where possible, while providing direction where needed.

Connecting within and beyond The Hague University of Applied Sciences

With his experience within the university (including his role as director of one of the central services) Bakker knows the organisation well. He understands how things work and where opportunities lie.

“I already collaborate with many faculties and partners, both in the Netherlands and internationally. That helps to get things moving more quickly and to build sustainable partnerships.”

He also sees strong alignment between the Centre of Expertise, the university’s knowledge agenda, and his own professorship in the  Learning Technology & Analytics research group.

Working towards visible impact

Looking ahead, the ambition is clear: to further develop the Centre of Expertise into a place that makes a visible difference.

“The challenges we work on are complex, and there are no simple answers,” he says. “That’s exactly why it’s important to keep building together—and to show what our work actually delivers.”

We shouldn’t just build, we also need to demonstrate the impact of what we do.

What drives him is clear: contributing to education and research that truly matters.

“I look forward to continuing to build the development of the Centre of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning together with the team.”