Today it will also be announced who will staff ET-NL. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has been appointed as CEO of ET-NL. He brings political-administrative experience as an experienced member of parliament and former diplomat to connect and drive national and international efforts. Sjoerdsma grew up in Limburg and looks forward to delivering the best bid book, the project proposal, for the Einstein Telescope together with all stakeholders.
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma: “The Einstein Telescope is a scientific wonder and will be a major boost for the economy of the Netherlands and particularly the Limburg economy. I am proud to lead the team that will do everything possible to bring the Einstein Telescope here.”
The second person starting today at the newly established network organization is Stan Bentvelsen. He will be responsible as Chief Science Officer (CSO) for the scientific part of the bid book. A crucial role, as this instrument will push beyond the boundaries of what is currently scientifically possible. Bentvelsen is an internationally renowned physicist who previously served as director of Nikhef and as scientific director of the Einstein Telescope EMR project office, helping to lay the foundation for the task of bringing this telescope to the border area of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In his new role, he will logically continue this work.
Stan Bentvelsen: “The Einstein Telescope will significantly shake up our understanding and knowledge of the universe in the coming decades. This telescope is scientifically revolutionary and groundbreaking, and the whole world will benefit from it. We will do everything we can to build that instrument in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.”
The establishment of the organization is part of the additional investment of €16 million, of which €4.2 million comes from the Province of Limburg, announced by Minister Bruins (Education, Culture and Science) on Princes Day.
Minister Bruins: “The Einstein Telescope will become a nursery of new science that will not only lead to new discoveries about the universe but can also produce much new technology that will change our lives. The next two years are crucial to make our plan as promising as possible. A lot of work is needed, from the design of this technical marvel to the lobbying to gain support for our plans. I have great confidence in these people and in the race to bring that telescope to our border region.”
Nationale prioriteit
In several places in Europe, countries are working on a good proposal to build the Einstein Telescope. Italy is in the race, and the Netherlands, together with partners from Belgium and Germany, is also in the running. The Netherlands has set aside €870 million from the Growth Fund for the construction of the telescope. To emphasize how important the telescope is for science, society, and our economy, the cabinet declared bringing in the telescope last November a national priority.
Wat is de Einstein Telescope
The Einstein Telescope is not a telescope as most people know it. It is an underground triangle of large tubes, in which laser beams are fired and then reflected back with mirrors. By measuring those beams very precisely, you can detect gravitational waves from space. This allows scientists to learn new things about our universe and test Einsteins theory of relativity for the first time. The development of the telescope requires a lot of new knowledge and stimulates technological innovations and business activity. Various connected European countries are expected to decide by the end of 2026 where the telescope will be built. The exact date by which the project proposal must be submitted is still unknown.
A telescope of this size is not only a boost for science but also attracts many scientists from around the world. Based on research, it is expected that every euro spent on the Einstein Telescope will yield 3 to 4 times that amount in return, and the telescope will create 2000 jobs directly and indirectly. Not only for scientists but also for, for example, practically trained technicians. The preparations for the telescope in the region have also stimulated various educational initiatives. Examples of this are the Einstein Telescope Education Center (ETEC), located in the Discovery Museum in Kerkrade, and the future Einstein Academy, where MBO and HBO students are trained who can work at or around the Einstein Telescope after graduation.