Rianne Letschert

Prof. Rianne Letschert is the Rector of Maastricht University and holds a Professorship in Law there. Previously, she was a Professor of Victimology and International Law at Tilburg University and held visiting roles at the University of Barcelona and the University of Cambridge. She earned her PhD from Tilburg University with a thesis on minority rights mechanisms. Her research focuses on international law, victimology, human rights, and national minorities. She directs the International Victimology Institute Tilburg (INTERVICT) and advises on victim issues for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Education:

• Studies in International Law at Tilburg University, University of Amsterdam, and University of Montpellier
• PhD in International Law (2005), Tilburg University

Research Interests:

• Impact of international tribunals on societies affected by human rights violations
• Victimological perspectives in international criminal justice
• Legal frameworks addressing terrorism and organized crime
• Policy development for victim rights and transitional justice

Awards & Grants:

• 2017 Young Academy of Europe (YAE) Prize
• 2015 VIDI Grant for research on international tribunals' societal impact
• Elected Chair of Dutch Young Academy (2015-2016)

Advisory Roles:

• Member of the Supervisory Board for Victim Support (2013–present)
• Member of the Identification Committee for High-Level Group (SAM)
• Advisory Committee Chair for the National Growth Fund (2023–present)

Institutes & Teams:

• Director of International Victimology Institute Tilburg (INTERVICT) (2009–2013)
• CoARA Coalition President for research assessment reform