Eefje Cuppen New Director Rathenau Instituut
Professor Eefje Cuppen has been appointed as Director of the Rathenau Instituut as of 1 October. The Rathenau Instituut focusses on research and dialogue relating to the societal aspects of science, innovation, and technology.
Cuppen has been Professor Governance of Sustainability at Leiden University’s Institute of Public Administration since 2020. Prior to this, she worked at the Delft University of Technology and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where she obtained her PhD at the Institute for Environmental Studies. In combination with her position as director, Cuppen will continue to work as professor at Leiden University for one day a week.
‘I’ve been following the Rathenau Instituut since my student days,’ says Cuppen. ‘I was not only impressed by the quality of the research, but also by the role that the institute plays in putting societal issues around technology and innovation on the agenda. Now that technology is affecting our daily lives ever more deeply, that role is going to become even more important. I feel honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead the Rathenau Instituut in that role.’
‘I was not only impressed by the quality of the research, but also by the role that the institute plays in putting societal issues around technology and innovation on the agenda.' Eefje Cuppen
Accomplished, inspiring and passionate
‘With Eefje Cuppen, the Rathenau Instituut has gained an accomplished, inspiring and passionate director,’ says Maria Henneman, Chair of the Rathenau Instituut’s Board. ‘She understands better than anyone what the institute stands for and is good at communicating what science, technology, and innovation can contribute to society. Her research focus ties in well with that of the institute. She looks at how the participation of citizens and stakeholders can ensure that attention is paid to a wide range of values, knowledge, and interests, so that solutions have a firmer basis.’