Minister and Einstein Telescope supporter
As I write this, on 18 February, I realise once again that I have been on a rollercoaster ride: a week ago, I indicated that I would be stepping down as CEO of Einstein Telescope NL and consequently also as chairman of the Taskforce of all government partners involved in our joint ET candidacy. Why? Because I am going to be a minister. And by the time this column appears, I will have been in office for three weeks as minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in the new Dutch government.
I’ve explained it several times before: I am in two minds. Of course, I am very honoured and proud to have been asked to become a minister. When I was asked to do this, I did not have to think long before I said ‘yes’. I am highly motivated to fulfil my new role as best as I can.
I am in two minds because I am very sorry to have to say goodbye to this wonderful project and our collaboration. I am aware that it is just too early to say goodbye to everything and everyone around the Einstein Telescope. Just now, in the crucial year when the feasibility phase ends and our bid book will see the light of day.
Over the past year I have witnessed up close how everyone is doing their very best to bring the Einstein Telescope to our border region. And I have seen how committed and professional our people are, even when the going gets a little tough. That attitude commands respect even outside the Einstein Telescope project, I have noticed.
Yes, I am impressed by the way we, together as the Netherlands, Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia, are heading towards a rock-solid candidacy. As a former diplomat, I know that working together does not always come naturally. Our collaboration leads us to grow even closer together, which will make our narrative and proposition even better and stronger. The saying is true: alone you may go faster, but together you go further!
With this spirit, we will definitely succeed in bringing the Einstein Telescope to our Euregio. It will not be long before the federal government of Germany is also convinced that joining our candidature will be the best choice for ‘Berlin’.
It is important and good to see that quick action was taken after my departure and that Hans Plets will now become chairman of the Taskforce. With his scientific background and knowledge, his experience in the management team of the Project Office and as CEO of the Flemish ET organisation, I can only be happy that Hans will lead the Taskforce.
And finally: I am sure that our three countries will jointly bring in that telescope. I may no longer be the CEO ET-NL or chairman of the EMR Taskforce, but I will be one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Einstein Telescope in the Maastricht, Liège and Aachen border region. You can count on that.
Until early February, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma was the CEO of the Dutch Einstein Telescope organisation (ET NL) and chairman of the Taskforce of all government partners involved in the candidacy in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.
On Monday 23 February, Sjoerd took office as Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in the new Dutch government.
