Introducing new scientific co-chair and committee members
In the past months, a new scientific co-chair has been appointed, and new members joined the committee. They are shortly introduced below.
Professor Michelle van Vliet has been appointed scientific co-chair of the NUWWC as of the beginning of 2025. She is professor of Water Quality and Sustainable Water Systems at the Department of Physical Geography of Utrecht University. Her thematic expertise and extensive track record of international water research collaborations will greatly support the committee’s work and outreach.
Professor Ruud Bartholomeus will be the new committee representative on behalf of KWR Water Research Institute. Ruud is KWR’s Chief Science Officer and Principal Scientist of the Ecohydrology team. He is also Special Professor ‘plant water stress and regional water management’ at Wageningen University & Research. KWR has a strong track record on European collaborations in the water technology domain.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Corné Berkheij (International Policy Department, dossier responsible for UNESCO) and Judith van Voorst Vader (Science and Education Policy Department, image) have joined the NUWWC. They will represent the ministry during committee meetings by rotation, and will be able to ‘connect’ with developments and thematic priorities within the ministry and for example NWO.
Julius Seinen (Senior Policy Officer), representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, will join the committee. Julius’ role is on the ‘water-food nexus’ which connects nicely with IHP-IX objectives related to water, agriculture and irrigation. He also supports the Dutch collaboration with FAO.