In Memoriam
Professor Koos Duppen (1953 – 2011)
When the Supervisory Board asked for advice in 2005 about a new Board member, the Board of the University had no doubts about who to recommend. Koos Duppen, who was at that time head of the University IT centre, was more than qualified for the job in terms of managerial competence and personal qualities. A multi-facetted personality with a keen eye for linking science and society, and a scientist with a wealth of global experience. Duppen was energetic and optimistic, committed, a direct communicator with a healthy sense of humour.
Koos Duppen was a man of many talents. Starting out as a scientific researcher, he soon acquired a powerful international reputation. However, in his mid-forties he
changed course and opted for a somewhat more managerial career, which proved to be a highly successful move. Duppen became a member of the Faculty Board, head of the University IT centre and ultimately a member of the Board of the University of Groningen.
After obtaining a PhD (1985, cum laude) in physical chemistry and spending a short time working for Shell Research, in 1987 Koos Duppen returned to the University of Groningen as a member of the academic staff of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. During this phase of his career, he managed to build the first femtosecond laser in the Netherlands. This made him a pioneer in his field, and helped him gain international renown as a researcher. Duppen was appointed professor in 1999.
In addition to being a talented researcher, Duppen was also a gifted teacher with a knack for gearing his teaching style to suit his audience. He was elected Lecturer of the Year on more than one occasion. It was this affinity with teaching and vision of education that enabled him to change the course of his career. In 1998, he was made project leader for the Faculty’s programme of educational change, and three years later, he joined the Faculty Board. His
teaching duties were extended to include Initial Education and Femtosecond Laser Spectroscopy
. He was an ardent supporter of active reform in scientific education and managed to get his message across with great conviction to many of the Faculty departments.
Innovation and valorization were the key aspects of Koos Duppen’s working life; in other words, he had an unquenchable interest in innovation and never bored of explaining exactly how society could benefit from fundamental research. During his years as head of the University IT centre, the organization developed into a hugely important facility far beyond the boundaries of the University. His part in acquiring funding for the large-scale LOFAR radio telescope, and the extensive computer capacity that this requires, will go down on Duppen’s list of extraordinary achievements. Thanks to his efforts, Groningen is now the proud owner of a computer facility that ranks among the best in the world in terms of computing capacity.
In the same period, Duppen was chair of the Stichting Universiteitsblad and made regular trips to Uganda. As project leader, he applied his knowledge of education and expertise in the field of IT to help this country realize its ambition to develop into a juncture for information technology. The contribution he made to forging ties with Russia in the area of energy illustrates his avid interest in the international position of the University (in his capacity as researcher, professor and Board member).
As a member of the Board of the University, where Duppen was responsible for the Finance portfolio, he fervently continued his campaign of social commitment. He carried out his duties with great dedication, a sense of reality, integrity and powers of conviction, and developed into a much-valued Board member. Here too, he focused not only on the internal side of University business, but also looked outside its bounds. He held seats on the boards of organizations including Sensor Universe, Target, the Energy Delta Institute and Carbohydrate Competence Center, where he helped to front a great many regional projects where
science and the enhancement of the regional economy met.
Duppen was always devoted to his work, which he continued for as long as he was able. Even when his illness became evident, he carried on until he found himself forced to take leave of his staff during the regular weekly meetings. He was recommended for a Royal Honour by the University shortly before his death, and was decorated as Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau for his services to the University and society.
He passed away on 27 May 2011 in his home town of Kropswolde. Koos Duppen was 58.
