Wim van Saarloos receives honorary doctorate from the University of Twente
Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics Wim van Saarloos received an honorary doctorate from the University of Twente last Friday. In addition to his work at Leiden University, Van Saarloos was president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) until June 2020 and he led The Dutch Research Council (NWO).
During a festive 60th edition of the Dies Natalis of the University of Twente, Van Saarloos received the honorary doctorate. This title is awarded to people who have made an outstanding contribution to science and society.
'I found it an exceptional honour to receive this honorary doctorate,' says Van Saarloos. 'I had absolutely not expected it.' Because of the sixtieth anniversary of the University the celebration, which was postponed due to corona, three other scientists also received the title. 'It was a very nice and warm Dies. And the laudatios were done in a very innovative way using videos.'
Director Lorentz Center
Van Saarloos is Professor of Theoretical Physics in Leiden. He established the Lorentz Centre and was chairmanship of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). He also chaired the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), received a royal decoration and won several science prizes.
An extensive interview
The Magazine U Today from the University of Twente contains an extensive interview with Van Saarloos.