Congratulations! How does it feel to be a professor?
“Well, quite honestly, it feels a bit of shock… I mean of course I knew I was approaching professorship, but I still feel young to have gotten to this academic level. I am only 38! It makes me feel a bit old given the stereotype of the professor in society. Ultimately, however, it is something I am proud of,” says Sebastiaan Swart.
“The recognition of my work, and all the great research and hard work that the people within the Polar Gliders group have done, is what feels the most valued. Although it’s an individual promotion, I would like to emphasize how many efforts are involved in my work – from the crew toiling the rough weather in stormy seas to help us deploy instruments, to researchers and students who are up at night piloting our gliders in the remote ocean. I take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have influenced and guided my career path so far. It has been a fun journey so far and I am looking forward to more adventures!”, says Sebastiaan Swart.
And … what now? What’s your next step?
“As a whole, I think we – myself and the research group included – have started to reach a good foundation of knowledge and research experience by which we can pursue some tough and exciting science questions. I believe we can, and should be, a bit more bold with our science, and this also means attempting to answer questions that ultimately would have a bigger impact on society and knowledge generation,” says Sebastiaan Swart.
