University of Amsterdam: UvA appoints Samera Ouchene as ombudsperson

As of 6 September 2021, Samera Ouchene will be the UvA’s ombudsperson. She has been appointed for a period of four years, with the option of being reappointed for two further terms. UvA ombudsperson is a full-time appointment.


Samera (1977) worked for many years at the Dutch Ministry of Finance. She supervised professionals working together on issues in the fields of enforcement, information management and privacy, and oversight. She was also responsible for the integrity portfolio.

The Central Student Council, the Central Works Council and the PhD Council were represented in the selection committee, which unanimously nominated Samera for the position. Geert ten Dam, president of the Executive Board: ‘We are convinced that the experience Samera has gained over the course of her career will contribute to strengthening the inclusiveness and social safety of our university.’

Students and employees can contact the ombudsperson with questions, dilemmas, issues or conflicts regarding the safety of the work and study climate at the UvA (although her work is not exclusively limited to that area). On the basis of such reports, she can conduct independent investigations, advise and mediate.

Samera succeeds Jacqueline Schoone, who was appointed as interim ombudsperson in November 2019. In addition to her role as ombudsperson, Jacqueline made preparations for the definitive setting up of the function. The UvA would like to thank Jacqueline for her efforts and contributions. She will be staying on until the arrival of Samera.