(By: TUDelft/TNW communicatie)
Kobus Kuipers is to succeed Herre van der Zant as Departmental Director of Quantum Nanoscience. He is expected to take up the position in mid-2016. Kuipers is currently head of the Center for Nanophotonics at the FOM Institute AMOLF. He is also a professor at the University of Twente and Utrecht University. In 2013 he was awarded an ERC Advanced Grant.

Earlier in his career (in 2003) Kuipers received a Vici grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and he was a member of the Young Academy of the NWO from 2005 to 2010. His research focuses on the investigation and control of light using structures below the wavelength of light. Using such structures, light can be slowed, captured and manipulated in other ways. Besides developing fundamental knowledge about light, this research can contribute to faster telecommunications, more sensitive sensors (including biosensors) and new integrated chips for quantum information processing.

With his wide experience, Kuipers is an extremely valuable addition to QN. His presence brings a senior researcher to the department, who can act as an important link in building the future of QN. On 6 January, Kobus Kuipers will be giving the QN Seminar. Here he will introduce himself to the department and other interested parties.

Professor Herre van der Zant held the post of Departmental Director for seven years. Now that he has found a good successor, he will be able to focus fully on his own research once more.