New Appointments to Dutch Science Advisory Council
The Hague, Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Manfred Aben and André Postema join the Dutch Advisory Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation, enhancing national innovation strategy from January 2026 for four years.
Strategic Enhancements in Innovation
The Dutch government has appointed Manfred Aben and André Postema as new members of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (AWTI), a decision endorsed by the Ministerial Council. Their terms will commence on January 1, 2026, and extend for four years, positioning them at the forefront of shaping the Netherlands’ innovation policies [1].
Professional Backgrounds of Appointees
Manfred Aben, a computer scientist with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, has extensive experience in R&D roles at Unilever and serves as a commissioner at Unilever Nederland Holding [1]. André Postema, whose background spans history and economics, has held leadership roles in education and healthcare. He currently chairs the executive board of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and has served in the Dutch Senate [1][7].
Impact on National Policy
The AWTI plays a crucial role in advising the Dutch government on strategic and international issues related to science and technology, focusing on long-term, fundamental challenges. This advisory influence is pivotal as the Netherlands seeks to maintain its competitive edge in global innovation [1][7].
Future Directions in Research and Innovation
Both appointees are expected to contribute significantly to the council’s mission. Aben’s expertise in technology and Postema’s focus on practical research align with the council’s objectives to enhance the Netherlands’ scientific and technological capabilities, aiming for a climate-neutral future by 2050 [1][7].