
On 1 February 2025, Robert-Jan Smits will take up the position of chairman of the Supervisory Board (BoS) of Naturalis. He has already been a valuable asset as a member of Naturalis' Supervisory Board since mid-2021 and now succeeds Arjen Dorland, who is stepping down after 4.5 years of chairmanship.
Experience
Robert-Jan Smits (Waalwijk, 1958) was former Director-General Research and Innovation at the European Commission. In that position, he was, among other things, architect of the large-scale innovation programme Horizon 2020. He was responsible for the design, introduction and implementation of the €80 billion grant programme for research and innovation. He also shaped the lead-up to the future innovation programme, Horizon Europe. Smits will remain chairman of the Executive Board of Eindhoven University of Technology until April 2025.
Naturalis is delighted with the appointment of Robert-Jan Smits as chairman. His extensive experience and expertise in the field of science is very valuable to Naturalis. And this delight is mutual: ‘Ever since my membership of the Supervisory Board of Naturalis, I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with the wonderful activities of the institute. I consider Naturalis' great ambitions in the field of scientific research into and effective public engagement with biodiversity to be essential for the great challenges facing society. Therefore, it is a great honour for me to take over the chairmanship from Arjen. I look forward to the further cooperation with my colleagues in the Supervisory Board and with the Naturalis board.’
Saying farewell to Arjen Dorland
After a decade of dedicated efforts, Arjen Dorland bids farewell as member and chairman of the Supervisory Board of Naturalis. His contribution has been very important for the development of the institute. During his term as chairman, Naturalis has undergone a transformation, which he himself looks back on as follows: ‘Looking back on 10 years of Naturalis, a lot of wonderful things have happened. From the old to the new museum, awarded the title European Museum of the Year and a high visitation score for scientific research. This is only possible thanks to the excellent people working at Naturalis. People with vision and leadership, who are a pleasure to work with. Naturalis can be very proud of these results. I wish my successor Robert-Jan the best of luck and I am sure that the presidency will be in very capable hands with him.’