‘INNOVATING SOCIETY’

Maarten Klijn, 26, is a fuel cell scientist at TNO

Automotive in Helmond. He enjoyed his internship so much that he ended up working there. “TNO is often the connecting factor in joint research consortia.” degradation of hydrogen fuel cells, on how they deteriorate over time. Three months is kind of short for that. TNO and I really connected, and I wanted to continue with this topic, which is why I also did my graduation thesis here.”

“What has been a decisive factor for me was the excellent supervision I received. Both my senior and junior supervisor provided valuable guidance on issues I got stuck on at times. In addition, they made me well acquainted with TNO. Research was needed regarding the catalyst degradation of a fuel cell, and since TNO gives great opportunity to do academic research the university was very excited about me starting there.”

Sustainable transport sector However, TNO was not an obvious choice for Maarten. So, what convinced him?

“Automotive had not been the direction of my studies at all. But looking back, it makes perfect sense. If there is one area where you can achieve a lot in terms of sustainability, it is the transportation sector. What I find interesting about TNO as a company is that it operates in the middle of science and industry. At TNO one day you’re doing fundamental scientific work, and the other day you could be doing hands-on hardware implementation or perform experiments. We want to make that transportation sector more sustainable, and all my scientific efforts contribute to that.”

“TNO is about innovation for society and is therefore closely tied to it. I really feel I am working for the generations beyond ours, through turning the transportation sector into a sustainable industry.”

Technological accelerator

“TNO as an organization accelerates technological innovation. At TNO we have a large pool of knowledge that is used to accelerate developments. Which is something I clearly notice in the projects I am currently working on at TNO. As we speak, I am working on an energy management system for a hydrogen fuel cell truck which will be used to transport raw cement material.”

“TNO is a dynamic environment as well, with a wide range of specialties in all kinds of domains. While also cooperating with a lot of partners, to achieve that objective together. I think that’s very exciting, and that’s also what makes it so interesting. TNO is often the connecting factor in consortia, for instance in programs set up with DAF, VDL, the Dutch government and many others. As TNO, our task is to support these partners in their sustainable goals through smart innovation.”

“That also illustrates the many possibilities you have at TNO. Within these projects there is space to look for creative and innovative solutions. Developing yourself is also possible in lots of areas. That’s what makes it so great.”

“TNO is looking for people who are motivated to make the world more sustainable. As a student at TUe you already have a lot of knowledge, but with the right motivation you can develop yourself tremendously at TNO.”

Atmosphere

“What I find distinctive about TNO is the excellent atmosphere. Interns are genuinely included in the team. Many activities are organized in our department in which interns are more than welcome. There is a lot of interest in each other’s work and each other’s projects. We are all here with the same goal, being involved in each other’s projects and seeing different approaches is very fun and insightful. Where at the university the approachability is sometimes not that great, I find TNO the opposite of that. Furthermore, TNO is very diverse and inclusive, with many international colleagues.”

“TNO has a lot to offer you in terms of your own scientific development. Also for improving your soft skills, TNO is the place to be. For example, I learned to give crystal-clear presentations here. In addition, the collaborative environment, approachable atmosphere and ‘ordinary’ extraordinary people make TNO a very nice place to work.”

TNO: a combination of university and industry www.tno.nl/en/careers/graduates/

At TNO, we want everyone to be able to be themselves and to make their own unique contribution to the team. We look at a person’s own strengths, plus we consider entrepreneurship and a proactive approach to be important.

The combination of university and industry creates a unique position for TNO: above all focused on practical applications, but also founded on science. We have strong ties with universities and also with many industry customers.

TNO has 12 locations in the Netherlands plus various locations abroad. We embrace a hybrid way of working, where you divide your time between working from home or from the office, whatever suits your needs and those of your team best. TNO is seeking talented graduates in any technical subject. There is currently a particular need for graduates specialized in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, econometrics, artificial intelligence and human interaction.

Besides a wide scope of disciplines, TNO also offers extensive opportunities for progression, including the chance to broaden your development in other areas of expertise.

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