Jurian Edelenbos wins Best PhD Supervisor Award

Doing a PhD in the Netherlands can be a challenging yet fruitful experience. PhD students often pause their careers and move countries with their families to realise their professional dreams in a new environment and country. This is where PhD supervisors can give a helping hand. Jurian Edelenbos is a great example of such dedication and leadership, always with a warm smile on his face.

On 23 March, the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences & the Humanities (EGSH) hosted its annual award ceremony to celebrate the community and its achievements in 2022. The event took place at HAL4 aan de Maas and had over 70 attendants. IHS was happy to see former IHS Academic Director Jurian Edelenbos chosen as Best PhD Supervisor 2022.

During the event, IHS staff member Laura Quadros Aniche had the opportunity to give the award to her former colleague and now PhD supervisor Jurian Edelenbos. Jurian and Laura used to be part of the Management Team of the IHS PhD programme in Urban Development & Governance. In her speech, Laura highlighted Jurian's kind, respectful nature, empathy, and engagement with his students.

"PhD students often face cultural challenges, such as adapting to a different academic setting, a new language, and sometimes even a strong fear if their trajectory does not go as planned. But they also learn, build friendships, accomplish success and celebrate. And in each of these moments, you are there."

Thank you, Jurian!

After the ceremony, we asked our PhD students to share their thoughts on working with Dr Edelenbos during their time at IHS.

"Jurian is always patient and kind with helpful academic advice and guidance." - says Jialong Zhu

Tannya Pico sends a heartwarming message to Jurian: "Dear Jurian, congratulations on your very well-deserved award. It is a real honour for us to have the best supervisor of ESSB. I would like to thank you for your patience and openness to adapt to our specific needs coming from different countries and backgrounds. I think your culture-sensitive approach, when accompanying us through this complex journey, allows high-quality knowledge dissemination accessible where we all go afterwards."

"Jurian has been my promoter for many years and my biggest supporter during this period. Always with encouraging words and a positive attitude when I was insecure and doubtful. The simplicity of his explanations and guidance is one of his many attributes and is very much acknowledged among my colleagues." - Satya Maia Patchineelam

According to Md Shemul Sheihk, Jurian is not only knowledgeable and experienced in his profession but also patient, supportive, and compassionate towards his student is someone who makes the ideal supervisor for PhD students. "Professor Dr Jurian exemplifies the highest standards of competence, expertise, integrity, and commitment. Professor Jurian is the ideal knowledgeable PhD supervisor with an excellent personality and is a wonderful human being."

"Jurian is very professional and responsive. As a PhD candidate, I have difficulties finding proper theoretical perspectives. Whenever I ask for his suggestions and comments, he always gives me the exact answer I searched for. He is always calm and wise. His expertise makes me confident in doing my PhD under his supervision. I feel lucky to be supervised by Jurian." - Xuelei Zhang.

Yasser Qaffas mentioned how Jurian encouraged him to be innovative and gave him the freedom to implement his creative ideas. ”He motivated me to reach places that I would never go to otherwise. He provided a positive work environment and emphasized constant and effective communication."

"Jurian's encouragement and perseverance gave me the power to keep going. He is the one who lights a lamp in the dark of my PhD journey." - says Min Cai.