On Thursday 18 June 2026, the British Ambassador to the Netherlands, Chris Rampling, visits the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente. The university is one stop on a wider working visit to the province of Overijssel.
In Enschede, Rampling learns about research into photonics, quantum technology and neuromorphic computing. Photonics is about chips that work with light. Neuromorphic chips are modelled on the human brain. Scientific director Hans Hilgenkamp welcomes the ambassador and shows him around the MESA+ Nanolab.
Technologische innovatie
The University of Twente has worked on photonics since the 1990s and is among the world leaders in the field. This research has led to the creation of companies such as LioniX International. Rampling ends his visit at LioniX, which develops photonic chips for customers worldwide.
The working visit fits within the Innovation Partnership that the Netherlands and the United Kingdom signed in 2025. Through it, the two countries work together on technological innovation, with a focus on defence, energy transition and chip technology.
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