Maastricht, The Netherlands — The United Nations University (UNU) announces a leadership change at UNU Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT). UNU expresses its sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Bartel Van de Walle, who has concluded his four-year appointment as Director of UNU-MERIT. Under his leadership, the Institute significantly advanced its research agenda, contributing to policy development and capacity building in the fields of sustainable development and innovation.
UNU is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Dr. Clemens Kool as the Director ad interim, effective May 14, 2024 through to July 2025.
Professor Kool brings to UNU-MERIT a distinguished career in economics and academia. Currently serving as a Professor of Macroeconomics and International Monetary Economics at Maastricht University, his extensive research focuses on monetary policy, public debt sustainability, and financial market developments in Europe. His academic prowess is complemented by his leadership experience, having held various prominent positions at Maastricht University, including Deputy Dean of the School of Business and Economics and Chair of the Department of Economics.
UNU-MERIT, a research and training institute of UNU which collaborates closely with Maastricht University, is dedicated to exploring the social, political and economic factors that drive technological innovation and its impact on development and governance. The Institute is renowned for its multidisciplinary research and policy analysis in economic and social development, focusing on the complex role of innovation.
"Professor Letschert (President of Maastricht University) and I look forward to working with Professor Kool as we embark on a new chapter for UNU-MERIT," said Prof Dr Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General.
Professor Kool will oversee UNU-MERIT’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development, addressing global challenges of poverty, inequality and human development, and contributing to policy formulation on a global scale.
