Inspiring science and society was the theme of today’s meeting at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, organised by Nikhef with representatives from government, business and education. Nikhef is once again marking its 50th anniversary with this event.
In his opening speech, Nikhef director Jorgen D’Hondt emphasized the intertwining of fundamental research and technical creativity that gives Nikhef a leading position in international particle research and leads to innovation. He also praised the family feeling he experiences within Nikhef, where he has been director for a year now.
During the meeting, a short film about the strength and philosophy of the institute premiered, which can now also be viewed online. In addition, a special brochure about the institute and its research projects and approach was published.
Nikhef was formally established in 1975 as a collaboration between university groups in the field of particle research. Today, the institute is a partnership of six universities plus NWO with more than 400 technicians, scientists and support staff.
The research covers particle physics, but also astroparticle physics and gravitational wave research, divided over eleven research programmes. The institute has a large workshop and electronics department and an international data centre. It has close ties with industry.
In his contribution, Mark Thomson, future Director-General of CERN, emphasised the close ties between Dutch particle physics and the accelerator laboratory in Geneva. Three of the four major experiments at the LHC accelerator, the largest particle collider in the world, are supported by Nikhef.
In his speech, University of Amsterdam professor Robbert Dijkgraaf outlined the importance of European cooperation, particularly in the field of fundamental research. According to studies, every euro spent on research yields a multiple return in terms of economic and industrial benefits. He also pointed out the fundamental importance of wonder and curiosity.
Later in the afternoon, various Nikhef alumni outlined Nikhef’s close ties with Dutch society in the fields of education, services, industrial innovation and training.
The meeting in the Rode Hoed marked the conclusion of Nikhef’s 1975-2025 anniversary celebrations, which have been held online and through a series of events since early summer.
