Ine Apapoe appointed Chairholder of the Prince Claus Chair

As of 1 September 2026, Dr Ine Apapoe will be appointed to the Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development at Utrecht University for the period 2026–2028. Her work will focus on Inclusive Governance and Tribal Societies, with particular attention to the Maroon communities of Suriname.

Despite their historical, social and cultural significance, Maroon communities are not always sufficiently involved in decisions concerning their own development and the governance of their traditional living areas. During her appointment, Apapoe will explore how tribal communities can participate more fully and equitably in decision-making processes.

A bridge between academic research and community knowledge

Apapoe sees the Prince Claus Chair programme as an opportunity to strengthen international connections, exchange knowledge across borders and contribute to both academia and society.

“I see my work as a bridge between academic inquiry and community wisdom, grounded in both empirical evidence and cultural knowledge. Through this approach, I strive to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable body of scholarship, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Maroon communities are recognised as essential to conversations on governance, development and sustainability in Suriname and beyond.”

Her appointment will also strengthen the longstanding collaboration between Anton de Kom University of Suriname and Utrecht University. Apapoe will be hosted by Utrecht University’s strategic research theme Institutions for Open Societies and will be based at the Utrecht University School of Governance.

About Ine Apapoe

Ine Apapoe is a senior lecturer in Public Administration at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Anton de Kom University of Suriname, where she served as head of department from 2020 to 2024.

Her research covers areas including local and traditional governance, small-scale gold mining, livelihoods, land rights, gender and public values. In November 2024, she successfully defended her PhD dissertation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her dissertation examined the structure, processes and quality of modern, traditional and dual governance within traditional societies in Suriname, with particular attention to the Ndyuka Maroons.

For Apapoe, the appointment is also an opportunity to contribute to the research ambitions and international scientific position of Anton de Kom University:

“The Prince Claus Chair programme is a unique opportunity to foster international connections, share knowledge across borders and make meaningful contributions to both academia and society.”

Strengthening inclusive governance

Apapoe’s research connects closely with the work of Institutions for Open Societies on governance, justice and societal transitions.

“By strengthening the role of indigenous and tribal communities in decision-making and development, this Chair advances inclusive governance and helps shape institutions that are fair, responsive and resilient,” says Professor Anna Gerbrandy, Scientific Director of Institutions for Open Societies.

Professor Mirko Noordegraaf, Head of the Utrecht University School of Governance, also welcomes the appointment:

“Ine’s emphasis on inclusive governance contributes to a societally rooted understanding of governing, managing and organising. Her appointment will enrich our work and help strengthen our academic ties with Suriname and the wider Caribbean region.”

Read the full announcement on the Utrecht University website.