Institute for Advanced Study director nominated to serve as minister of education, culture, and science in the Netherlands

Robbert Dijkgraaf, the director of the Institute for Advanced Study, has been nominated to join the cabinet of Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands, as the minister of education, culture, and science beginning on Jan. 10.
Dijkgraaf, who has led the Institute for Advanced Study for a decade, will be responsible for ensuring “a knowledgeable, skilled, and cultured country.” His focus will include higher education, research, and fostering a creative environment to support students, teachers, and scholars in the Netherlands.
“On behalf of the board of trustees and our entire Institute family, it is with great pride that we recognize Robbert for his nomination,” said Charles Simonyi, chair of the Institute for Advanced Study board of trustees, in a written statement. “We are deeply thankful to Robbert for his extraordinary leadership during his ten-year tenure and wish him continued success in this new role. Our community will miss very much Robbert, Pia, and their family.”
Dijkgraaf began his term as the head of the Institute in July of 2012. The naming of his successor, David Nirenberg, was announced on Nov. 1.
“For me this call presents a unique opportunity to serve my country at a critical time. Although I am leaving the Institute with a heavy heart and earlier than planned, I’m comforted to know that with David Nirenberg as my successor, IAS will be in very able and caring hands,” Dijkgraaf said in a written statement. “Pia and I look forward to a moment in the near future to say goodbye in a more proper and personal manner, although there is no way in which we can adequately express our gratitude for your support and friendship over the past decade.”
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.