The talent programme stems from the Diversity Policy Document (2019). By recruiting and selecting qualified researchers for the programme, the UvA is taking a step towards increasing the ethnic diversity of its academic staff.

The candidates selected by the Executive Board will have the qualifications for a position as assistant professor and will participate in a multi-year faculty programme that, upon successful completion, will result in a promotion to associate professor and a permanent contract.

The talent programme is aimed at boosting the number of researchers at the UvA who come from groups that are under-represented within academics in the Netherlands. The programme promotes the development of a more inclusive working environment, among other things by building networks and highlighting the academic potential of researchers from under-represented groups. These include candidates with an Asian, African, Caribbean, Central and South American and/or Turkish background.

Funding and procedure

In 2021-2022, the deans of the seven faculties can apply for 50% funding from the Executive Board for one qualified researcher from the target group. This means one person at each faculty can take part in the programme. The candidates nominated by the deans must not be employed as assistant professors at the UvA or any other Dutch university.

Faculties are responsible for recruiting the candidates in coordination with P&O and the Faculty Diversity Officers. Deans can then nominate candidates to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will decide whether to provide funding for the candidates.