It’s been a long wait, but it was worth it: we’ve welcomed the scientific lead to our team and are now delighted to announce that this is Derk Loorbach. His innovative approach to research in and with society makes Derk the perfect expert for this role. Derk started this summer and will fulfill this role part-time.
What Will the Scientific Lead Do?
As the scientific lead, Derk Loorbach is responsible for the scientific content aspects of KIN activities and serves as the scientific face of KIN. Derk will focus on:
- Promoting a vision and advising on methodologies for system transitions through the input of knowledge and expertise;
- Co-designing new forms of research funding and organization;
- Helping to build and maintain strategic partnerships.
Derk has long been a unifying force between research, policy, and practice. With his knowledge and expertise, he contributes to the visibility, credibility, and impact of KIN.
‘As the academic lead for KIN, I hope to inspire, encourage, and provoke from my professional and personal experience as an entrepreneurial transition researcher.’
Derk Loorbach, Scientific Lead at KIN
About Derk Loorbach
Loorbach has experience with transition research in various societal domains. He combines his role as lead of KIN with his work as director of the internationally renowned action research institute DRIFT. He is also a professor of socio-economic transitions at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).
Loorbach’s extensive experience and vision make him an inspiring leader for KIN. From his role as scientific lead, he aims to promote inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, essential for tackling climate change.
‘Thanks to climate research, the importance of transitioning to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society has penetrated just about every Dutch boardroom, policy table, and local hub,’ says Loorbach. ‘However, the transitions necessary for our economy and society are still not sufficiently underway. It is a significant socio-economic challenge to translate scientific necessity into a just and democratic transition process.’
Derk Loorbach, Scientific Lead at KIN
KIN on Derk’s Arrival
As KIN itself is new in design, so too is the role of scientific lead a new position, without a predecessor. With the appointment of Loorbach, the directorate is complete, consisting of General Director Michiel van den Hout and the scientific lead. Derk will dedicate one day a week to this role in the first year, followed by one and a half days thereafter.
‘We are delighted with Derk’s arrival. He is truly a leading expert in transition management and has an impressive network and extensive experience in promoting collaboration across different disciplines. With ‘transition in science’ as his mission, Derk will undoubtedly contribute to the impact and visibility of KIN.’
Michiel van den Hout, General Director of KIN
Photos of Derk and press release in text document: https://surfdrive.surf.nl/files/index.php/s/zuLdnl5vjswqvUv
KIN press kit with profile photos of Michiel, KIN one-pagers, logos, etc:
