About necessity, tipping points and results

2025 has been an interesting year. Not only did the University Fund of the TU Delft celebrate its 100-year anniversary. But a ninth top scientist was also attracted with the support of the TU Excellence Fund – by now a fixed asset within the University Fund – and the other 8 could continue their impactful work. Additionally, we can reflect on warm and inspiring networking gatherings with alumni and donors.

How the Excellence Fund came to be, is well-known by now. The innovative power of TU Delft is necessary to face societal challenges. For that reason, we continuously invest in an excellent ecosystem of education, research, and innovation. Such an ecosystem starts with scientific excellence. However, the government does not provide what is needed to draw top scientists to Delft under competitive conditions. As such, a number of Delft pioneers took the initiative to create the TU Excellence Fund. Within a few years, this fund developed to be a fixed asset surrounded by an impactful community.

The importance of alumni

Since then, societal challenges have not decreased and require well-educated engineers and innovative research. But science and research funding is under pressure and the government withdraws support. In this context, the importance of alumni is increasing. They can send strong signals about the importance of technology and science and thus play an important role in maintaining high-grade knowledge and innovation in the Netherlands.

Funds more important than ever

On 30 June 2025, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the University Fund with a festive gathering. At that event, it was encouraging to see that many alumni and donors experience the same urgency: the necessity of a decisive University Fund, anchored in an involved alumni community. In its century of existence, the University Fund has seen more challenging circumstances. And sometimes, it had to reinvent itself. My impression is that we find ourselves again at one of those tipping points. If we as TU Delft want to continue having an impact on a better, safer, healthier world, we have to become stronger than ever. I would therefore like to point you towards our ‘bring a friend’ concept .

Taking responsibility

During our jubilee celebration we also introduced the initiative Continued giving and appreciation, symbolised by the Prometheus statue. I told about this Greek deity who gave fire to the humans and who is patron of TU Delft. As far as I’m concerned, the contributions of the alumni, donors – and definitely the founders of the TU Excellence Fund – are the true descendants of Prometheus. You take responsibility for knowledge, research, and developing new generations. Like Prometheus gave fire to humans, you pass on the torch – for a better future. Thank you!

Impact Report 2025

In this Impact Report 2025, you will read and see how the 9 scientists of the TU Excellence Fund make an impact on our ecosystem of education, research, and innovation. In addition to personal stories, you will read about their innovative and often interdisciplinary approach. About their passion to educate the next generation of engineers. And about their vision of tomorrow’s solutions. We wish you much joy in reading and watching, and thank you for your contributions, involvement, and input.

Jasper Peterich, Director Alumni relations and University fund