Mr. Ronald Van der Linden, Director General of the Royal Observatory of Belgium, took up his position as acting Director General at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy on 1 February 2024. He succeeds Martine De Mazière who has indicated her wish to step down from the general directorship of BIRA-IASB but will remain active as head of the institute’s Scientific Directorate. These decisions facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the continuity of our research activities.
For more than twelve years, Martine successfully led BIRA-IASB as Director General ad interim, efficiently combining her administrative duties with her ongoing commitment to cutting-edge scientist research. Earlier this month, we already highlighted Martine with an honourable portrait as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. We thank her once again for her tremendous commitment and close involvement with the Institute during that period.
The procedure for the selection and recruitment of a general director at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy is in progress but has so far not led to a final appointment, so the appointment of a temporary position holder was appropriate.
Ronald has been Director General of the Royal Observatory of Belgium since 2005 and brings with him extensive leadership and management experience in space and astronomical research, as well as a solid academic background and an undeniable passion for science. This expertise will no doubt come in handy as he takes on his role as acting Director General until a new general director is nominated.
