AMSTERDAM, 19 November

Join us for the I Spanish/Dutch Scientific Congress

Come share your success stories and promote scientific collaboration between Spain and the Netherlands at intra- and inter-sectoral level in academia and business. 

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BRIDGING SCIENCES

Welcome to the first Spanish-Dutch Scientific Congress, ‘Science as a Bridge.’ This event aims to foster scientific cooperation between Spain and the Netherlands, highlighting the importance of international networks in addressing global challenges.

Throughout the day, high-level experts and institutions from both countries will share their knowledge and experiences in areas such as biomedicine, artificial intelligence, renewable energies and ecosustainability, and new forms of cooperation between the academic, society and business sectors.

Through talks, round tables, and networking opportunities, we aim to create a space for dialogue that inspires new collaborations and enhances the creation of networks among scientists, professionals, and institutional representatives.

The congress will offer a platform for exchange and building connections, reinforcing the idea that science is a powerful tool to connect cultures and solve global challenges.

Join this inspiring event and be part of the future of scientific collaboration!

EVENT PROGRAM

Under the motto Wetenschap als brug – La Ciencia como puente, we have gathered keynote talks and panel discussions by prominent scientists and policymakers from both countries.

There will also be time for networking during the closing borrel to foster connections between academia, industry, and government representatives to deepen these ties and leverage their expertise for mutual benefit.

Open doors

12h00
Open doors and registration, reception with food and drinks. Showcase of the SCIENTIA exposition.

Institutional Welcome

12h30 – 13h15
Prof. Dr. Marileen Dogterom, President, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)

Ms. Consuelo Femenía, Ambassador of Spain in the Netherlands, Embassy of Spain in the Netherlands.

Mr. Rodrigo García Valiente, President of the Association of Spanish Scientists in the Netherlands (CENL-SWNL) and President of the Network of Associations of Spanish Researchers and Scientists Abroad (RAICEX).

Mr. Raimundo Pérez-Hernández y Torra, Director of the Ramón Areces Foundation.

Opening lecture

13h15 – 13h30
Opening lecture by Dr. Francisco Colomer, Spanish
Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Honorary Member of CENL.

Roundtable Session I
Science as a bridge: collaboration networks.

14h00 – 14h50
Dr. Izaskun Lacunza. Head of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT)
Prof. Dr. Marileen Dogterom, President of the KNAW
Mr. Rodrigo García, President of RAICEX (Spain), Network of Associations of Spanish Researchers and Scientists Abroad
Prof. Dr. Marco De Baar, director of DIFFER – Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research.

Moderator: Dr. Francisco Colomer (CENL), Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

Roundtable Session II
Emerging Trends in Biomedicine.

15h00 – 15h50
Dr. Esther Peters. Director of Leiden Bio Science Park Foundation.
Dr. Paula Pérez-Pardo. Assistant Professor at the University of Utrecht.
Prof. Dr. Josep Samitier. Director of IBEC and Full Professor in the Physics Faculty, University of Barcelona.
Dr. Maribel Rico-Salas. Academic Liaison. Regulatory Science and Innovation Task Force.

Moderator: To be announced.

Roundtable Session III
Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for change

16h00 – 16h50
Prof. Dr. Raquel Fernández. Professor of Computational Linguistics and Dialogue Systems,
Vice Director of Research at the Institute for Logic, Language, and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam.
Prof. Dr. Marcel van Gerven, Head of the Artificial Intelligence department at the
Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour.
Dr. Olya Kudina. Assistant professor of ethics and philosophy of technology at Delft University of Technology.
Mr. Miguel Valle del Olmo. Digital Transformation Attaché, EU Artificial Intelligence
regulatory framework.

Moderator: Dr. Pablo Rodríguez (CENL), Research Software Engineer at the Netherlands eScience Center, Scientific Communicator at Naukas, and translator of the first edition of the Canon van Nederland into Spanish.

Roundtable Session IV
Advances in renewable energies,
eco-sustainability and environmental care.

17h00 – 17h50
Prof. Dr. Laura Villanueva. Head of the Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry,
NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research.
Prof. Javier Garcia-Martinez. Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Alicante, and former president of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the Young Academy of Spain.
Dr. Francisco J. Arjona Madueño. Senior Knowledge Transfer Officer, Faculty of Science, Radboud University.
Mr. Henk Jan Vink. Managing Director of TNO Energy & Materials Transition (EMT).

Moderator: Mr. Antonio Martínez (CENL). R&D manager at SaXcell.

Conclusion

17h50 – 18h00
To be announced

Spanish borrel & networking session

18h00 – 19h30
Foster connections between academia, industry, and government representatives.

Our Venue

SCIENCE ÑL takes place at Het Trippenhuis, an exceptional venue due to its rich history and architectural significance.

Built between 1660-1662, it is one of the last examples of Dutch classicism in Amsterdam. Its monumental rear facade and historical importance make it a distinguished location for any event. It is part of the Top 100 of the National Service for the Preservation of Monuments given its cultural and historical value.

Since 1812, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has resided in the Trippenhuis. It is also the residence of The Young Academy and the Academy of Arts.

Kloveniersburgwal 29,
Amsterdam, 1011 JV
North Holland,
The Netherlands

Frequent Asked Questions

SCIENCE ÑL exists to showcase and promote scientific cooperation at all levels between the Netherlands and Spain.

We are committed to international collaborations that drive research and innovation, tackle global challenges, stimulate economic growth, strengthen diplomatic relations, and enhance educational opportunities.

19th November at Het Trippenhuis, the headquarters of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).

SCIENCE ÑL brings together representatives from key institutions and companies in both countries, high-level researchers, and all those dedicated to fostering international collaborations between Spain and the Netherlands.

Organized by the Association of Spanish Scientists in the Netherlands (CENL) and the Embassy of Spain in the Netherlands, and hosted by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)

Yes. While part of the event will be recorded, we highly encourage attendees to join in person for the invaluable networking opportunities and to be at the heart of the discussions.