Prof. Sijbrand de Jong has extensive management experience, including with large high-tech projects in complex circumstances. He served as President of the CERN Council from 2015 to 2018.
De Jong has a broad network in the scientific community both domestically and internationally. He will be able to make a significant contribution to further developing COVRA as a knowledge center for radioactive waste management and research into geological disposal. De Jong also received an award in 2009 for making scientific developments understandable to a wide audience. This is of great importance in the complex field of radiation, nuclear, and waste.
After a transitional period in the coming year, he will succeed Prof. T.H.J.J. van der Hagen. During and after the handover period, the composition of the Board will be in line with the shareholder's goal of having a diverse composition of its appointed Supervisory Boards.