International Women's Day 2025

In 1941, the 'National Fiber Service' was incorporated into TNO as the Fiber Institute. This Government Information Service had provided services for 'the fiber trade and the fiber industry' since 1919. The field of work of the institute concerned fibers, both as raw materials and the materials and products made from them (textiles and paper). The institute focused on industry, trade, government and consumers. Several women have become pioneers at the TNO Fiber Institute.
Photo: TNO

Louise Corbeau developed an initial proposal for the washing label. 'We propose to indicate by simple indications on the textile goods how they should be treated.' In the system, the degree of lightfastness, washing fastness, shrinkage resistance, moth resistance and other properties of textiles were assigned a grade. Inspired by a sew-in label from the war, she was the first to propose sewing the markings into clothing as a washable label. And she devised a campaign to mobilise female supporters.

Riet Drop was the first female professor at the University of Limburg in 1980. According to her, science was top sport. She led the 'lifestyle and behaviour change' project, where her interest was mainly in the psychosocial aspects of eating behaviour and drinking, deviant behaviour, anorexia nervosa, regional differences in mortality and more general structural and cultural explanations for socio-economic differences in health. Photo: Art and Heritage Committee of Maastricht University.

Talent, training, good equipment and good nutrition form the basis for optimal sports performance. Physiologically there was a lot of research, but one systematic analysis of the nutritional habits of intensively exercising athletes was lacking. Agnes Maria Josepha van Erp-Baart started a national investigation. For example, she concluded: with a daily workout of 1 to 2 hours, at least 55% of the contribution to energy intake should consist of carbohydrates. Photo: Limburgsch Dagblad.

'I am continuously seeking opportunities to contribute to building a fairer world. I apply this mindset to my work as a researcher of Hybrid AI, looking for ways to develop AI in a way that benefits the most vulnerable people rather than harming them.' Discover more >

'The strength to overcome challenges comes from pursuing your passion. Stay determined, be humble enough to acknowledge mistakes and grow from them, consider advice from others, but ultimately carve your own path. And find your own special quality: this will be your superpower!' Discover more >

'Prof. Dr. Renske Keizer’s did research on social inequality in relation to children’s development. She challenged cultural assumptions about the father’s role. The study contributed to a significant law change, extending fathers’ leave at childbirth. Profoundly inspiring to see woman’s research drive real societal change, one that continues to impact families today.'

'In science and in the context of technological innovations, women are often underrepresented. As society, we thereby, lose out on important perspectives and valuable insights. International Women’s Day puts the importance of representation and involving different perspectives in the spotlight.' Discover more >

'I’ve learned that success isn’t just about having the right skills or waiting for the perfect opportunities – it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks, and pushing boundaries. With these qualities, I believe anyone can create their own version of success.' Discover more >