Carolien Kroeze

Dr. Carolien Kroeze now serves as Rector Magnificus and Vice President of Wageningen University & Research, after previously chairing the Earth Systems and Global Change Group and directing the Wageningen Institute for Environment and Climate Research (WIMEK). Her distinguished career began with biology studies in Groningen, followed by a PhD in Amsterdam and a transformative postdoctoral position at Wageningen's Environmental Systems Analysis group under Prof. Leen Hordijk. Her research pioneered new environmental models focusing on understanding links between human activities and environmental pollution, particularly in water systems. She has made significant contributions to integrated assessment modeling, including co-developing the Global NEWS model for simulating nutrient export from watersheds. Her work spans multiple environmental challenges, from water pollution to climate change, using interdisciplinary approaches to analyze environmental systems and policies. As a leader in environmental science, she has fostered international collaboration through networks like IIASA, where she participated in the Young Scientists Summer Program in 1991. Her expertise in large-scale environmental modeling and scenario analysis has influenced policy and research worldwide, particularly in understanding nutrient flows and water quality. In her current role as Rector Magnificus, she continues to champion interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global challenges in food, water, climate, and nature, emphasizing the integration of natural and social sciences while training the next generation of environmental experts.