Peter van der Hijden
Independent higher education strategy advisor to universities having the ambition to become more effective locally, across Europe, and globally.
Co-writer and co-editor of European University proposals and coach for Alliance Task Teams.
I spar with institutional and academic leadership, provide intelligence, liaise with stakeholders and decision-makers, deliver inspiring speeches, moderate strategy sessions, prepare concept notes and draft operational conclusions. Based in Brussels, I welcome visitors and travel occasionally.
Experience as independent advisor
- 10 of 65 European University Alliances selected for EC grant support. Few others received the Seal of Excellence (promising too) or fell behind the competition (lessons learned).
- Promotor of micro-credentials as a flexible learning option for all (advisor to EC, UNESCO and organisations worldwide)
- Expert/moderator European Commission DG RTD 2030 Vision Study on Universities
- Advisory Committee Member Kiron Open Higher Education, a Berlin-based EdTech nonprofit, serving new audiences with online education
- Workshop moderator, policy advisor, writer and inspirational speaker for universities, networks, public authorities, non-governmental organisations, companies and media outlets.
Career
- 12 years as independent higher education strategy advisor
- 23 years at the European Commission (education, transport, research & innovation), where I held the post of Head of Sector Higher Education Policy. I played a central role in developing the Erasmus programme, the Bologna process and the Modernisation agenda for universities. I contributed to the Horizon R&I framework programmes and the human resources strategy of the European Research Area (ERA)
- 10 years at Maastricht University as Vice-registrar of the University Council and policy officer for research and education at the Faculty of Law.
Education
Law studies at Nijmegen, Leiden and Maastricht University.
Brussels networking
I co-convene the Aviators, the informal seasonal gathering of colleagues working for Brussels-based organisations active in higher education, lifelong learning, employment, research and innovation: Universities, Networks and Alliances, Student Unions and Associations, European Commission, Other EU bodies, National Representations, Liaison Offices, Agencies, NGO's, Activists and Independent Experts. Venue: La Maison des Ailes (House of Wings/Salles Montoyer), rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Brussels.
Award
I was honoured to receive the EAIE Constance Meldrum Award for Vision and Leadership from the European Association for International Education at their Annual Conference in Madrid 2009.
Constance Meldrum's work for the European Commission was instrumental in setting up new international cooperations in higher education. Her bequest supports the EAIE Vision and Leadership Award.
On other awardees:
Publications
Could Europe achieve higher impact with a lighter touch? Peter van der Hijden in University Word News, London, 20/24 August 2025
Navigating higher education: let EURASHE be your lighthouse. Speech by Peter van der Hijden demystifying European Universities, European Degrees and Micro-credentials, EURASHE Summer Cocktails, Brussels, 3 July 2024