Maria Henneman new chair of the board of the Rathenau Instituut

Henneman gained renown as a journalist and presenter at the NOS Journaal and later as editor-in-chief of the current affairs programme 'Netwerk'. Since leaving journalism in 2004, she and her consultancy agency Henneman Strategies have focused on providing strategic communication and policy advice to companies, non-profit organisations and (local) government. She has also held numerous advisory and board positions, including at Radboud University and the Innovatieplatform. Since 2016, she has been chair of the Gender & Health programme committee at ZonMw.

Henneman is looking forward to working for the Rathenau Instituut: "I'm delighted to lend my expertise to this important institute, which connects the world of science, technology, and innovation with governance and societal issues. It is important that the Rathenau Instituut helps politicians in their decision-making process. After all, the results from science, technology and innovation can drastically change the lives of people and society."

The Rathenau Instituut was established in 1986 by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. For 35 years, the institute has contributed to the social and political debate on the impact of scientific and technological developments on society. By conducting its own research and organising discussions, the Rathenau Instituut feeds into the public debate. In particular, the institute has the task of supporting the formation of political judgments in the House of Representatives, the Senate and the European Parliament.

Henneman succeeds Gerdi Verbeet, who was no longer eligible for re-election after two terms as chair.