Leadership change at ARCNL – reflections from the outgoing and new director
As of 1 November 2025, ARCNL welcomes its new director, Marcelo Ackermann, succeeding Wim van der Zande. In a reflective conversation, the outgoing and incoming directors look back and forward – on leadership, culture, and ARCNL’s evolving partnership between academia and industry.
Looking back with gratitude
For Wim van der Zande, stepping down marks the close of an extraordinary chapter:
“It’s more than finishing my term as director – it feels like closing a long scientific journey. Being director of ARCNL was probably the best job I ever had. You’re close enough to the science to feel its pulse, yet you can also see the broader impact of what we achieve together. That combination made it truly special.”
A new chapter begins
For Marcelo Ackermann, the transition brings both excitement and respect: “It’s thrilling. ARCNL has really built a name for itself, nationally and internationally. The institute plays an important role in both the scientific and industrial landscape of the Netherlands – and that visibility comes with a sense of responsibility.”
Although new as director, Marcelo isn’t new to ARCNL’s world: “I’ve known ARCNL since its early days under Joost” (editor’s note: Joost Frenken, ARCNL’s first director). “So in a way, it feels familiar – yet stepping into this role makes it new and exciting all over again.”
Staying ahead of the roadmap
When asked about crucial themes for the coming years, both directors point to the delicate balance between openness and industrial collaboration.
Wim reflects on a shifting societal climate: “Our partnership with ASML was designed brilliantly – open, academic, and impactful. But sensitivities about industrial research and confidentiality are changing. If society starts questioning that model, we’ll have to rethink how to remain open while maintaining trust. And internally, I hope our group leaders keep the calm and space needed to be truly revolutionary.”
Marcelo looks toward the technological frontier: “The semiconductor industry is unique – it has a roadmap that looks twenty years ahead. Our job is to stay ahead of that roadmap. That means exploring things that aren’t even on it yet – new light sources, entirely new metrology concepts, and methods for probing through 3D chips. Those challenges are what makes this field so exciting.”
Two styles, one shared spirit
Asked about their leadership style, Wim smiles: “I see the director’s role as something you step into only 10 percent of the time. The rest of the time, you’re simply part of the scientific discussion. Leadership is about knowing when to step forward – and when to stand among your colleagues.”
Marcelo agrees, adding his own perspective: “My goal is to keep the atmosphere open and positive. I want people to feel free to focus on their science, while I shield them from unnecessary noise. And whatever the challenge, I always ask: how do we solve this together? That’s how you keep moving forward.” Marcelo describes himself as an ‘out-of-the-box thinker’ who thrives on coming up with new ideas and finding solutions: “If you want to make me happy, invite me to a brainstorm session,” he laughs.
Preserving the ARCNL culture
Both leaders underline the importance of ARCNL’s collaborative culture. Wim: “What I hope will never change is that single coffee machine – the place where all our people meet, talk, and share ideas. Keep those walls thin between teams. Collaboration is our soul.”
Marcelo builds on that thought: “ARCNL’s strength lies in bridging fundamental physics with industrial relevance. I’ve always believed in research that someone, somewhere, is actually waiting for – whether it’s fundamental knowledge or something that makes a machine work better. We should continue doing groundbreaking physics and create real impact.”
Passing the torch
As the conversation ends, the outgoing and new director share their wishes for each other.
Wim: “My wish for Marcelo is that he keeps balancing his background in contract research with ARCNL’s open, academic model. And if he could also manage to get other players in the nanolithography ecosystem involved – like Zeiss or Trumpf – it would be truly groundbreaking.”
Marcelo smiles: “And my wish for Wim is that he keeps dropping by for coffee. Those spontaneous discussions – with someone who understands the science so deeply – are invaluable.”
With this leadership transition, ARCNL enters a new phase – one rooted in the same curiosity, openness, and collaboration that have defined the institute since its founding.
More information
To learn more about Marcelo Ackermann, read this earlier news item about his appointment. If you have further questions about his appointment, please contact Institute Manager Marjan Fretz (email: m.fretz@arcnl.nl).
