Kings Commissioner Wouter Kolff awarded the Golden Lis to Prof. Dr. Ir. Tim van der Hagen, outgoing chairman of the Executive Board and rector magnificus of TU Delft, during the dies natalis of the Delft University of Technology.
The Golden Lis is the highest distinction of the Province of South Holland and is only awarded in exceptional cases to individuals who have made significant contributions to the province. The Golden Lis has existed since 1952 and has been awarded only 41 times since. In his speech, Commissioner Wouter Kolff praised Mr. Van der Hagen as a leader who firmly anchored TU Delft in the region and consistently focused on collaboration. “Tim van der Hagen broke down walls between disciplines, institutions, and between science, government, and business, but always with the goal of creating more impact for society,” said Kolff.
Connecting force for knowledge and innovation
Under his chairmanship, TU Delft grew into an even stronger engine for innovation in sectors crucial to South Holland and the Netherlands, such as the port and maritime industry, life sciences & health, greenhouse horticulture, biotechnology, and the space sector. The university also played an increasingly important role in addressing major societal challenges, including climate change, energy transition, urbanization, and health.
Growth agenda and National Growth Fund
Van der Hagen was closely involved as a member of the daily board of the Economic Board South Holland in the establishment of the South Holland Growth Agenda, which was signed by no less than 80 parties in 2021. This joint agenda laid the foundation for successful investment proposals to the national government. Thanks to his efforts, substantial funds were allocated from the National Growth Fund to South Holland projects in quantum technology, energy innovation, and artificial intelligence, as well as to improvements in physical infrastructure.
Campus development and entrepreneurship
During his tenure, campus development in and around Delft accelerated. TU Delft strengthened existing campuses and established new campuses and field labs, including the recently opened House for Robotics and AI. In addition, the ecosystem of startups and scale-ups around the university flourished, giving concrete shape to the slogan ‘Impact for a better society’.
Highly meritorious for South Holland
According to Commissioner Kolff, Van der Hagens significance for South Holland is hardly overstated. “He has contributed with vision, inspiration, and connecting power to knowledge development, innovation, new business activity, and strengthening economic clusters. Our province will reap the benefits for many years to come.”