Netherlands Academy of Engineering
The NAE launched in May 2023 as a publicly funded, multidisciplinary forum that unites experts and innovators from the business and scientific sectors in the areas of technological sciences, applied research, and development. The NAE acts as a hub and advisory body for the Dutch knowledge and innovation system, aiming to amplify the voice of the engineering community to influential decision-makers.
Track record
NAE fellows are selected for their impressive track record in impactful, engineering-based innovation, their motivation and capability to make a difference, and their objective, cross-sector, and honourable approach.
Floris Rutjes, professor Synthetic Organic Chemistry and director of the Institute for Molecules and Materials
Floris Rutjes is a professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry and the director of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) at Radboud University. His research focuses on developing new and sustainable synthesis methods and new biologically active molecules.
Apart from his research, he holds a keen interest in bridging the gap between scientific inventions and their use in society. As a result, eight spin-off companies have emerged from his research group during the past 20 years, four of which were co-founded by Floris Rutjes. Rutjes has played a prominent role in the Chemical Top Sector in establishing a national network of Innovation Labs (incubators for chemistry-related spin-offs) called Chemielink. Additionally, he has been appointed as Honorary Member of KNCV, the Dutch professional association for chemists, life scientists, and process technologists. He has been the President of EuChemS (European Chemical Society) since 2021. Floris Rutjes was appointed a Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion in 2020.
"The NAE doesn’t solely focus on engineering; innovation and bringing technical (scientific) inventions to society are also vital goals," says Rutjes. "I believe my strengths lie in the combination of policy and innovation, and I am eager to apply my knowledge and experience in these areas at the NAE."
Lucas Noldus, Professor of Behaviour, Information Technology, Innovation and CEO of Noldus Information Technology BV
Lucas Noldus is a professor of Behaviour, Information Technology, and Innovation at Radboud University. His research is centred around discovering and developing new techniques for automatic behaviour recording in animals and humans. Besides his research, he facilitates collaborations between businesses and Radboud University in the field of behaviour and technology, fosters entrepreneurship, and mentors startups.
In addition to his work at Radboud University, Noldus is the founder and CEO of Noldus Information Technology BV, a company developing software tools and integrated solutions for the study of behaviour in animals and humans. He was also a co-founder and board member of Delta Phenomics BV (2007) and TeleMetronics Biomedical BV (2010).
"The NAE is part of a global network of Academies of Engineering," says Noldus. "The challenge of translating the results of technological research and engineering into successful products and services, and motivating young people to choose a science and technology-based study, is present in all countries. I am keen to contribute to the international profile of the NAE and exchange knowledge and experiences with our sister academies. This can only enhance the position of the Netherlands."
Inauguration
The celebratory inauguration of the first NAE Fellows will take place on 13 November in The Hague, where the initial NAE yearly plans will be discussed.