Former scientific director physics remains active. ‘Through this role, I continue being part of the future.’
For many years, he was active in various management positions at the LION and even after his retirement he is still very involved. Professor Jan Aarts leads the Leiden hub of the Quantum Delta NL growth fund and is now temporarily responsible for national educational activities. In this way, he is helping to build the quantum ecosystem both inside and outside the university.
Working with colleagues to do what is best for the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION), that’s what gives Aarts energy. The former scientific director is still enthusiastically committed to the institute after all these years. ‘In my years as director, the growth fund for quantum (see box) was the most unexpected thing that came my way. I immediately saw it as an opportunity to be seized. I still see it that way today.’
Quantum is booming
As a rapidly emerging technology, quantum received a boost of 615 million euros until 2027 in the first round of the National Growth Fund program. Since then, five hubs have been established to stimulate research, education and business. Delft, Eindhoven, Leiden, Twente and Amsterdam thus form the core of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL). This ecosystem aims to create positive societal and economic impact. And although the Netherlands is a small country, thanks to QDNL it plays along internationally in the field of quantum technology.
Bringing all of society along
The programme is midway, so the team is thinking about the direction of the coming years, Aarts says. ‘Having an agenda is important, especially now. For education, I want to create more cohesion between the various initiatives in the Netherlands. Like the experiments for high school students or the cooperation between vocational education and (applied) universities. These already come together in Talent & Learning Centers in which the Leiden Instrumentation School also plays a role. In addition, we must involve a broader target group, such as municipalities and companies.’ Finally, Aarts is looking for funding to continue all these activities when QDNL comes to an end.
For all that, he has until the end of the year. Then there will be someone to hand over to. ‘That's short, but I think I can achieve something in that time. We will work with all the hubs to further develop existing training courses for new target groups. It is important to include all of society in the development of quantum, working in isolation simply doesn’t work.’
‘This is how I can contribute best.’
As scientific director, he made strides in LION's gender balance: since the 2018 sector plan, half of all research vacancies were filled by women. He also brought more coherence to the institute's research themes. Results he is proud of. Now he is committed to making connections. Between Leiden and QDNL, especially in the field of education and outreach. But also, for example, by seeking a place for Leiden science within Una Europa. ‘These things don't happen by themselves,’ he says. ‘Everyone is busy with the hussle and bustle of daily life, while building networks requires more time and patience.’
‘All in all, my retirement and handing over the director role made me feel like I'm no longer part of the future. Fortunately, thanks to these roles, I still am.’ With a smile he adds: ‘Although it's still hard work - after all, not much happens without a sense of urgency. But I have time and it is a meaningful contribution to the institute. That still gives me a lot of joy.’