News
Prof. Thijs Ettema elected as KNAW member
Microbiologist Prof. Thijs Ettema has been elected as a member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (KNAW). He is one of 18 new members in 2023. The new Academy members will be installed on Monday 30 October.
KNAW members are chosen based on nominations from within and outside the Academy. The Academy's approximately 600 members are leading scientists from all disciplines. A membership is for life.
Thijs J.G. Ettema (1977) is an evolutionary microbiologist and heads the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on exploring microbial diversity using the latest genetic engineering and diverse breeding approaches.
For example, Prof. Ettema's team discovered the Asgard archaea; a relatively new group of microorganisms. What makes Asgard archaea unique is that they have genes that are similar to genes found in eukaryotic cells, which are the cells that make up plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This hypothesizes that both species have a common ancestor.
The KNAW is the forum, the conscience and the voice of Dutch science. It derives its authority from its quality-selected members. From an independent position, it monitors the quality and interests of science and advises the government.