Former Tilburg University Executive Board President Koen Becking Appointed State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science

Koen Becking will join the outgoing Schoof cabinet. On behalf of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the former Tilburg University Executive Board President will now become State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science.

From 2012 to 2020, Koen Becking was President of the Executive Board of Tilburg University. During this period, he led the BEST reorganization process and the CUBE educational building was established on campus. Becking was a champion of open access, making scientific publications freely accessible to a broad public.

After his time in Tilburg, Becking moved to Nyenrode Business University, where he combined the positions of President and Rector Magnificus. He left after one term. He was also known as the Carnival Prince of Den Bosch, Prince Amadeiro XXVI. Since October 2024, Becking has been President of the Royal Association for Energy, Environment and Water.