Celebrating 75 Years of AMOLF: reflections from our Director and Institute Manager
With the year ending, AMOLF reflects on a festive year in which it celebrated its 75th anniversary. AMOLF director Huib Bakker and institute manager Paula van Tijn share their memories and thoughts.
AMOLF chose to celebrate the anniversary three times in the fall. What was the reasoning behind this?
Huib: “AMOLF was founded on September 15, 1946, so it made sense for us to celebrate close to our official birthday, marking a significant milestone. AMOLF has many past and present connections, and we wanted to celebrate with all of them. This is why we decided to organize three parties.”
Who were these three groups?
Huib: “First of all, our own people. On Thursday, September 19, we kicked off with a speech in the canteen and handed out a gift: a festive AMOLF-75 sweater. On the evening of the same day, our employees and partners were invited to the AMOLF Magical Times party in Hilversum.
On October 3, around 300 alumni returned to AMOLF to reconnect and celebrate. Finally, we invited our network contacts to celebrate at Felix Meritis on November 12.”
What moments stand out to you specifically?
Paula: “There are so many memories, like the alumni event where such a diverse group of people came back to AMOLF. Among them were researchers who had left many years ago and others who had just left recently. Also present were people in support roles like technicians, including one in his nineties hired by our first director, Jaap Kistemaker. It was heartwarming to see this broad group reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company.
Also, the AMOLF-75 sweater has been a huge success. Every day, you see numerous people wearing it proudly—not just at AMOLF. The other day, I even saw someone wearing it at the cultural hotspot Tolhuistuin!”
Huib: “At the network event, it was very nice to see how the breadth and multidisciplinary nature of AMOLF’s research was presented and how it impacts such diverse aspects of society. For example, our fundamental solar cell research is now making its way into real-world applications through the SolarNL program funded by the National Growth Fund.
I also really enjoyed the party with all our people. We celebrated with over 320 attendees, and during the evening new activities were added one after the other to surprise us. Personally, I loved the ”Bruin café”—there was a great singer, and it was great to see so many people singing along together.”
On a birthday, you also look back. What lessons from its past does AMOLF take into the future?
Paula: “AMOLF’s research has always been dynamic, evolving over time. I expect AMOLF to continue adapting and changing course as it moves forward.”
Huib adds: “Over time, societal changes have naturally influenced the people at AMOLF and our research program. However, one consistent characteristic is our strong sense of community and connection with others.”
Were there other noteworthy highlights from the past year?
Huib highlights the arrival of group leader Menachem Stern. “He brings exciting new theoretical research on learning machines.” In addition, Paula mentions the renovation of the NanoLab cleanroom and the installation of the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). “With the TEM, researchers can now observe materials at the atomic scale and study their behavior over time and under the influence of light,” Huib enthousiatically explains.
Anything you want to add about the upcoming year 2025?
Huib: “I anticipate many exciting results from our research groups. We would also like to wish everyone at AMOLF and within our network a wonderful and healthy new year. We look forward to new interactions and collaborations.”
