Source: www.sron.nl/news/mark-rutte-diepe-bowing-voor-de-kennis

A day with the stars at SRON

Imagine: you are standing in a place where the brightest minds in our country are working on the science of the future. That is what Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf experienced when they visited the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research in early October 2023, a place where Dutch talent literally reaches the stars.

Dutch strength in science

Proud of our own soil

Our Prime Minister was clearly impressed. He saw with his own eyes how much talent the Netherlands has. “Insane,” he said. And he's right: our scientists put the Netherlands on the world map!

Great minds, exciting projects

Two top projects were put in the spotlight. First there was TROPOMI, a satellite that detects methane leaks. Yes, that's important, because methane is a real climate culprit. And then the black holes: we dive into the depths of the universe with telescopes such as Athena and LISA.

The Netherlands clean and smart

Plastic soup not only in the ocean

What seems? All that plastic waste we produce mainly ends up in our own rivers. Not really something to be proud of, but a problem we can do something about!

Speed dates with scientists

As speed daters of science, Dijkgraaf and Rutte entered into discussions with experts from all corners of the research field. From sustainable shipping to the mysteries of urban nature. These interactions emphasize the diversity and relevance of Dutch research for society.

Science with a heart

The person behind the science

Our Prime Minister also took the time to listen to what drives scientists. It is not only the clever discoveries, but also the personal stories that inspire us, where passion and curiosity are at the core of every discovery.

Investing in the future

Balance in science: fundamental, applied and practice-oriented

We must maintain a balance between different types of research, says Marcel Levi, chairman of the NWO. Every research is valuable and contributes to the prosperity of the Netherlands, on a scientific, social, economic and social level.

Stronger together

Dijkgraaf and Rutte agreed: we must continue to invest in this 'ecosystem' of innovation. Because what happens here has the power to really make a difference.

This day at SRON shows that we have something special in the Netherlands: a community of scientists, researchers and thinkers who work together to make our small country great in the world of science and innovation.
And we can be a little proud of that, right?

Let's continue this adventure together and see where science can take us. To the stars… and beyond!