Today, the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente has officially started its reorganisation process. This marks an important, but also difficult, step in ensuring that ITC — and the University of Twente as a whole — remains financially sustainable and future-oriented.
Background and necessity
Over the past months, the ITC Faculty Board has worked closely with the Faculty Council and the Executive Board to analyse the faculty’s financial situation and develop a plan for a sustainable future. This process follows the broader financial challenges faced by the university, including a 14.5% reduction in national base funding for ITC’s budget, as announced by the Dutch government on Prinsjesdag 2024.
For ITC, this means achieving a structural improvement of €2.5 million by 2029 — €2 million through staff cost reductions and €500,000 through additional income and savings. These measures are necessary to restore financial balance by 2027 and reach a positive result by 2028.
Impact on staff
We deeply regret that this reorganisation has direct consequences for colleagues.
In total, 22 staff members are threatened with dismissal — 14 academic and 8 support staff. For five additional colleagues, suitable positions within ITC may be available.
The faculty and the university are committed to supporting everyone affected with the utmost care and respect. Each colleague will receive individual guidance, including career counselling, redeployment assistance, and participation in UT’s Continuous Scheme in case of Redundancy. HR advisors will provide personal support throughout this process.
Focus and direction of the new organisation
The reorganisation is guided by two main principles:
- A content-driven renewal – strengthening ITC’s academic focus and international profile around four profiling themes: Disaster Resilience, GeoAI, Resource Security, and Urban Futures.
- Improving efficiency and structure – creating a clearer and more integrated organisation that better connects education, research, and societal engagement.
The faculty will move from six to four scientific departments, each linked to one of these profiling themes. The support structure will also be streamlined from 18 to 4 units, bringing together HR, Finance, Education & Research, and Business Development Support. This simplification will improve coordination, reduce complexity, and support ITC’s mission more effectively.
Mission and long-term vision
ITC’s mission — capacity development through the application and sharing of geo-information and earth observation — remains unchanged. Its vision continues to be one of collaboration across disciplines and borders to contribute to sustainable, fair, and digital societies.
The reorganisation is intended to ensure that ITC can continue to fulfil this mission effectively and sustainably in the coming years.
Next steps
The reorganisation process formally begins on 13 October 2025, and the new structure will take effect by 1 April 2026. During this transition, the focus will be on supporting affected colleagues, ensuring continuity in education and research, and implementing the new structure carefully and transparently.
A Transition Team will guide the process, under the leadership of the Faculty Board and the newly appointed department heads.
Looking ahead
The Executive Board recognises that this is a difficult moment for many within ITC and across our university community. These decisions were not taken lightly. At the same time, they are necessary to safeguard the long-term strength of ITC and the University of Twente as a whole.
We have great confidence in the resilience, expertise, and collaborative spirit of the ITC community. Together, we will work towards a financially sustainable, academically strong, and future-proof faculty that continues to make a global impact.
