Marco de Baar appointed for second term as director of DIFFER
The board of NWO-I has appointed Marco de Baar for a second five-year term as director of the research institute DIFFER. De Baar devoted his first term to developing a new strategy for DIFFER and establishing partnerships with leading national and international players. In the coming years, he will focus on, among other things, the realisation of an autonomous chemical materials laboratory (Self Driving Lab).
Large scientific instrumentation
Marco de Baar has been director of DIFFER, the Dutch institute for fundamental research in the field of fusion energy and chemical energy, since July 2020. Under his leadership, a new strategy has been developed in which the institute is setting a clear course towards large scientific instrumentation.
For example, the new PLD (Pulsed Laser Deposition) facility has recently arrived and will soon undergo an acceptance test. Under De Baar's leadership, DICE has also been realised, a setup for research into electrochemical systems, nuclear materials and liquid metals. In addition, various collaborations with leading international partners have been initiated under his leadership. Steps have also been taken to develop the Chemical Energy department (formerly Solar Fuels), something De Baar will continue to focus on in his second term.
Role of DIFFER
De Baar: "Being director of DIFFER is very exciting, challenging and interesting for me. We have defined a new strategy that clearly focuses on larger scientific instrumentation, including for the Chemical Energy department. This is important because it gives us a very special role in the Dutch scientific landscape. It will enable us to establish new collaborations with leading groups and take on a complementary role in the scientific field. I think that's a very positive development."
Positive working culture
NWO president Marcel Levi is very pleased that Marco also wants to lead DIFFER for the next five years. "Marco is an energetic, enthusiastic and successful scientist who, as director with vision and in consultation with employees, gives direction to DIFFER and sets great store by a positive work culture. It is fantastic that Marco will continue to lead the currently so successful DIFFER for the next period and we look forward to the coming years with Marco as director."
More information on DIFFER
More information on DIFFER can be found at the DIFFER website. There you can also read an interview with Marco de Baar.