Annelieke van der Giessen to Lead AWTI as New Secretary-Director
The Hague, Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Annelieke van der Giessen, bringing expertise from TNO, steps into the crucial role of strengthening Dutch innovation policy at AWTI starting June 1, 2025.
Overview of Annelieke van der Giessen’s Appointment
Annelieke van der Giessen has been appointed as the new secretary-director of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (AWTI), effective 1 June 2025 [1][2]. She succeeds Patrick Essers, who became the operational director of the Einstein Telescope project in Maastricht in March 2025 [1]. Her appointment demonstrates a strategic effort to bolster innovation governance in the Netherlands, enhancing the nation’s policy-making in science and technology [2].
Annelieke’s Background and Experience
Van der Giessen has been part of AWTI since 2016, holding the position of senior staff member where she was pivotal in providing strategic advice on innovation policy [1]. Her role prior to this appointment was as acting secretary-director following Essers’ transition in March 2025 [1]. Her experience extends beyond AWTI, having served as a senior researcher and advisor at TNO, focusing extensively on science and innovation policy [1]. This background positions her uniquely to lead AWTI in addressing future challenges through innovative solutions [1][3].
Statements from Leadership
Mirjam van Praag, Chairman of AWTI, expressed her confidence in van der Giessen’s leadership, citing her profound advisory experience and existing leadership within the organization as key to her suitability for the role [1]. Similarly, Feite Hofman, Director-General of Higher Education, Vocational Education, Science, and Emancipation, underscored that van der Giessen’s knowledge and her ability to connect people and organizations make her a valuable asset for AWTI’s critical advisory role [1]. Her appointment follows the standard selection procedure overseen by Hofman, ensuring an open and fair recruitment process [1].
Impact on Dutch Innovation Policy
The appointment of Annelieke van der Giessen is an important development in the Dutch landscape of science and innovation policy. Her vision aligns with enhancing the advisory capacity of AWTI to provide comprehensive and future-focused guidance to the Dutch Cabinet and Parliament [1]. Van der Giessen’s goal is to increase the impact and effectiveness of AWTI’s advice, thereby strengthening the innovative capacity of the Netherlands [1].