SHE welcomes prof. Liesbeth Kester as professor of Instructional Design

We are excited to announce that prof. Liesbeth Kester will join the School of Health Professions Education as professor of Instructional Design.

Prof. Kester is currently working as professor of Educational Sciences at Utrecht University, in the Netherlands. She has extensive experience with research on topics such as instructional design, blended and game-based learning, personalized learning and self-regulated learning.

Starting February 1st, prof. Kester will be appointed at the School of Health Professions Education and the Department Educational Development and Research of the Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. We look forward to welcoming her and are excited about the contribution she will make to optimal healthcare through science-informed models for the education of future and current healthcare professionals.

Bio

Liesbeth Kester is a distinguished Full Professor of Educational Sciences at Utrecht University, where she has been a pivotal figure since 2015. With a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the Open University of the Netherlands, her research primarily focuses on the intersection of technology and education, particularly in learning analytics and personalized learning. Kester has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, and has contributed significantly to the field through her extensive publication record, which includes numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

In addition to her academic roles, Kester has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities as the chair of the section Education and the scientific director of the Interuniversity Centre for Educational Sciences (ICO), overseeing scientific, educational, and financial matters. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment, as evidenced by her active participation in professional development workshops and her dedication to mentoring staff and students. Kester's contributions to educational innovation and her involvement in editorial boards of prominent journals underscore her influence in the field of educational technology and cognitive psychology. Her work continues to inspire and shape the future of education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.