[Works Council Elections] Marjan Popov: ‘I can help my colleagues be happy in their work’

Marjan Popov (Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science) started working on his doctoral degree in 1998 at TU Delft. Now, more than 22 years on, he is still working there. “I’m just very satisfied here,” he concludes. Apart from being a Professor in Electrical Engineering, Popov is also a researcher, member of the Board of Examiners and manages the Power System Protection Centre.

Why are you standing as a candidate for the Works Council?
“I want to do more for the organisation and I think I can help my colleagues be happy in their work. The results of the employees monitor were such that the faculties are thinking about ways of reducing the workload, which is still much too high. I can use my experience as a teacher and researcher to help think about how we can optimise the workload.”

You are representing VWSD CMHF. What does this party stand for?
“Our nomination list has members with plenty of experience in teaching and research. They know that the working conditions should be good if they are to deliver the best quality. This includes a good working environment both at TU Delft and at home. This is not only a comfortable workspace, but also improved sports and catering facilities. It is in the interest of TU Delft if staff are healthy.
Another aspect of a pleasant working environment is more support for the academic staff, for example in compiling research applications and collaboration with industry. Funding is hugely important and we need to involve industry in it. By investing in closer collaboration with industry, more money will be available for research and teaching.”

What do you want to put your efforts into in the coming years?
“Looking at myself, 24 hours in a day are never enough. And this applies to many colleagues too. We need to improve the balance between teaching and research by creating a healthy environment.
I also want to have a meaningful input for the younger generation of teachers and researchers. I want them to put more of their efforts into their output and less on peripheral issues. If, for example, we could take away all the administrative things, the teachers could put their efforts into the students. And if we had a closer collaboration with industry, the younger colleagues could have more opportunity to develop.
I would like TU Delft to better inform new employees about their career paths here. For new employees coming from abroad, it is important to also know what the quality of life is here. Then they can decide if they and their families can make a home in Delft.”

What do you believe is the biggest challenge for staff participation at TU Delft?
“I believe that strengthening the participation, involving the TU Delft community in representation, is a major challenge. It is good to realise that we are there to work with the Executive Board to make TU Delft even better.”

What is your image of an ideal TU Delft?
“Nothing is perfect, and that’s impossible with so many people. I would be happy if we had a healthy workload at a university where people really enjoy their work. A place where we would be successful academically and to which we could attract the best teachers. TU Delft is a top university and it should have top scientists.”

• The elections for the Works Council and the Personnel Committees will be held on 3 and 4 November. Staff can vote digitally via vote.tudelft.nl. This page also has more information about the parties and the candidates.

• Also read the other parts in this series: Claudia Werker: ‘See diversity as something positive’; Menno Blaauw: ‘You must be prepared to play politics’; and Marleen Keijzer: ‘Some buildings really need to be replaced’angen worden’