Dutch Research Council reappoints Marcel Levi to lead science funding for another five years
Marcel Levi will continue steering Dutch scientific research as Chair of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His reappointment signals stability for funding programs that support innovation, climate research, and talent development, directly impacting researchers and students nationwide.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Prof. dr. Marcel Levi |
| Position | Chair of the NWO Executive Board |
| Term Start | April 1, 2026 |
| Term Duration | 5 years |
| Appointed by | Minister Rianne Letschert (Education, Culture and Science) |
| Previous Role | CEO, University College London Hospitals (UCLH) |
| Key Initiatives | Tulp Fund, Summit grant, Netherlands Climate Initiative, Open Science NL |
| Additional Roles | Chair of Knowledge Coalition, Vice-President of Science Europe |
| Scientific Affiliations | Professor of Medicine (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, UCL) |
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is the national funding agency for scientific research, distributing public funds to projects that drive innovation and societal progress. As Chair, Levi oversees strategic decisions that shape research priorities, funding allocations, and collaborations between academia, government, and industry.
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Marcel Levi reappointed as Chair of the NWO Executive Board
Prof. dr. Marcel Levi has been reappointed as Chair of the Executive Board of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His second term as Chair of the Executive Board will begin on April 1, 2026. Minister Rianne Letschert of Education, Culture and Science has formally reappointed the NWO Chair.
Marcel Levi has served as Chair of NWO since April 1, 2021. Prior to joining NWO, Levi was CEO of University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and Professor and Clinical Dean at University College London from 2016 to 2021. In addition to his role as Chair, he regularly works as an internist in the Emergency Department, holds weekly outpatient clinics, and remains scientifically active, including as Professor of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC, as well as at University College London. Levi has extensive national and international experience in the organization and funding of scientific research.
Marcel Levi on his reappointment: “In my new term, I will continue to enthusiastically contribute to strengthening Dutch science. It is a great honor – and a responsibility – to be reappointed by the minister as Chair of NWO and to be able to contribute in this role to talent development, promoting scientific and societal impact, and strengthening the link between fundamental, applied and practice-oriented research. Over the past five years, much has been achieved: from the Tulp Fund, the Summit grant, the Netherlands Climate Initiative to Open Science NL, in addition to additional investments in the Talent Programme, the Open Competition and scientific infrastructure. In the coming five years, we as NWO also want to explore and seize new opportunities to further advance research, science and innovation.”
In the coming five years, we as NWO also want to explore and seize new opportunities to further advance research, science and innovation.
NWO Executive Board
The Executive Board is the highest governing body of NWO. It consists of the Chair, the Vice-Chair, and the four Chairs of the NWO domains. They are (re)appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science on the recommendation of the Supervisory Board. The Chair and Vice-Chair are appointed for a term of five years. The other members, who are also Chairs of a domain board, are appointed for a term of three years. The (Vice-)Chair and members may be reappointed once.
Reappointment
The Supervisory Board, with a positive advice from the central works council, has proposed Marcel Levi for reappointment to the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. The Supervisory Board is confident that, based on his first term as Chair, Levi will further enhance the significance of NWO for science in the Netherlands. Dutch universities and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) were also consulted on the proposal for reappointment and have responded positively. Levi has proven to be a skilled Chair, widely regarded both internally and externally as a leading figure in the research system. In addition to his daily duties within the NWO Executive Board, he is highly valued as Chair of the Knowledge Coalition and Vice-President of Science Europe. He visibly advocates the importance of (scientific) research and innovation for the Netherlands, both through his extensive network and via the media.
Career
Marcel Levi studied medicine in Amsterdam, became a physician and earned his doctorate. He always maintained ties with universities and later became Professor of Internal Medicine. He held various positions at Amsterdam Medical Centre (AMC) before becoming Chair of its Executive Board in 2010. He currently holds several additional positions in the scientific field, including Chair of the International Scientific Advisory Board of the Dutch Heart Foundation. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the Netherlands Cancer Institute and the Dutch Transplant Foundation. Levi has been a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2009 and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
Source: NWO