Leiden University has some 112 professors holding special chairs. Of these specials chairs, 20 are sponsored by the LUF. These chairs support the development of new scientific areas. These special chairs allow respected specialists, within or outside the university, to further develop their specialist areas.
A special chair is for a specific period of time. If it appears that there is a structural requirement for this chair, it is then the responsibility of the university to install a standard chair. If, after five years, it appears that the special chair has not added benefit, then the chair will be withdrawn. This system ensures a continuous renewal of special chairs.
The procedure
The initiative for applying for a new chair lies with the faculty itself. The LUF Committee for Academic Expenditure (CWB) will assess the application. If the Committee and the Board of the LUF give a positive response, the university then has the final decision on the establishment of the chair in question.