Radboud Pluim for Myrthe Swaak

''Totally overwhelmed' is what Myrthe Swaak, senior communications advisor for science at the Corporate Communications, called herself today. In a meeting of the Research Board, she thought she would talk about the strategic communication plan research. Instead, Dean and Vice President of the Executive Committee (RvB), Jan Smit addressed her.

Jan started talking about Fit for the Future, which is a demanding task for Communication, and where a science communication advisor certainly plays an important role. Since Myrthe will soon be saying goodbye to this role (meanwhile she has started as the team coach Online, Mediahub and Editorial), Jan wanted to elaborate on the profile of as a science communication advisor - and Myrthe's interpretation of this. So Myrthe said, "I thought we were going to talk about the communication plan...”

Jan surprised her - under the eye of many colleagues in Teams - with the Radboudpluim. 'Myrthe has only been employed since 2019, and has almost immediately performed at a high professional level. She quickly grasped our organization and picked up crisis communications as if she had been working here for years. An extraordinary accomplishment in a complex organization like ours.

Online Discovery Days

Jan also praised Myrthe's commitment to the Online Discovery Days. Myrthe was a major driving force behind this innovative event. The preparation time was limited, the crisis pushed hard on the agenda of the project team and - as with any innovation - we would encounter unexpected setbacks. But Myrthe stimulated, brought people together and, with many hours of diligent work, plugged unexpected gaps, whether that was part of her job or not.

Role model

'Myrthe is also a pleasant person in her dealings and her work attitude', always positive and constructive, no matter what comes her way. She is sharp and critical when necessary, and always professional, substantive and respectful.
Myrthe's commitment is also emphatically praised by her research colleagues, like René Bindels, director RIMLS: 'Myrthe has a natural gift for linking with the various research bodies within Radboudumc and giving everyone maximum support in the field of communication. Her commitment is enormous. She is a role model for other colleagues within Radboudumc. As a person, Myrthe is easy-going, friendly, helpful, and just an incredibly pleasant colleague. I am proud that we are able to work with Myrthe.'