Professor Caroline Katsman Appointed Scientific Figurehead of the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN)

(IN BRIEF) On December 15, 2024, Professor Caroline Katsman was appointed as the scientific figurehead of the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN). A renowned climate scientist with expertise in oceans and climate, she will collaborate with fellow figurehead Professor Derk Loorbach to guide the organization’s scientific efforts. Katsman’s role will include fostering connections between climate research and societal stakeholders, as well as chairing consultations between Dutch university climate centers starting in 2025. With a focus on both physical climate science and transition science, the KIN aims to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 10-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Professor Dr. Caroline Katsman, an esteemed climate scientist, has been appointed as the new scientific figurehead of the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN), effective December 15, 2024. With her extensive experience and international recognition in the field of climate science, Katsman brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network that will support the KIN’s mission. Over the coming years, she will work alongside Professor Derk Loorbach, KIN’s other scientific figurehead, to steer the organization’s scientific efforts, collaborating with general director Michiel van den Hout for day-to-day operations.

Having been involved with the KIN since its inception, Caroline Katsman will play a pivotal role in connecting fundamental climate research with key societal stakeholders. Her work will include initiating collaborations between academic climate centers and shaping the KIN’s strategic partnerships. She will also oversee consultations among Dutch university climate centers, beginning in 2025. Together with Loorbach, she ensures that KIN’s foundational scientific disciplines—physical climate science and transition science—are firmly embedded within the organization. Katsman’s commitment will involve one day per week dedicated to KIN’s activities.

Caroline Katsman, who serves as a professor of Oceans & Climate at the Delft University of Technology and as a visiting researcher at Utrecht University’s Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, is renowned for her research on the ocean’s large-scale circulation and its role in climate dynamics. Her doctoral research at Utrecht University, which included collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), laid the groundwork for her later studies on sea level rise and the impacts of ocean currents on climate change. In recognition of her groundbreaking work on ocean eddies and their influence on climate change, she received an NWO Vidi grant in 2013.

In her own words, Katsman emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between scientific data and policy: “As a climate scientist, I have long recognized the severity of the climate challenges we face. However, translating the ‘hard numbers’ of climate science into actionable policies for societal transition is crucial. The KIN’s innovative approach makes this connection, and I am excited to contribute to this much-needed shift. Collaborating with Derk Loorbach, I see firsthand how climate and transition sciences complement each other, improving our efficiency and impact.”

Michiel van den Hout, General Director of KIN, expressed confidence in the new appointment: “Caroline’s expertise in fundamental climate research will significantly enhance KIN’s ability to drive impactful initiatives. Her ability to translate scientific knowledge into real-world urgency aligns perfectly with our objectives. Together with Derk Loorbach, Caroline’s leadership will sharpen the KIN’s scientific focus.”

Derk Loorbach, also a scientific figurehead at KIN, echoed this sentiment: “I look forward to working alongside Caroline to bridge the gap between climate science and societal transition. Her deep understanding of climate change, coupled with her ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines, will be invaluable as we aim to position climate science as a key driver of societal transformation.”

The KIN, founded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), is dedicated to accelerating the transition toward a climate-neutral society by 2050. It facilitates collaboration among researchers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society, aiming to remove barriers in the scientific system that hinder progress on climate solutions. Through various programs, initiatives, and international networks, KIN works to ensure science plays a central role in addressing the climate crisis.

About the KIN

At the KIN, researchers work together with societal stakeholders to accelerate transitions for a sustainable and climate neutral society by 2050. This initiative was founded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the KNAW. The KIN aims to remove limiting and counteracting incentives in the scientific system to allow science to contribute optimally to solutions to the climate crisis. The KIN facilitates conversation and collaboration between researchers, policy makers, industry and civil society organizations through (international) initiatives, programs, networks and events.

More about KIN: https://hetkin.nl/en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/klimaatonderzoek-initiatief-nederland/

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Source: NWO