Break the deafening silence of the VSNU about the troubling nomination of Pieter Duisenberg. Write to your board of directors directly and demand an explanation. A headless VSNU is perhaps afraid of speaking, but university leaders should take responsibility for their (in)action. We want to know: How did this appointment materialize behind closed door? What qualifies him for the job? What specific vision did he present to the heads of universities that was so compelling, especially in light of his record of distressing statements about the future of higher education? (Cartoon by Niels Bonger, DUB 14 September 2017)