In Memoriam

Beatrice Boots
1967–2025
 
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of our colleague and beloved Director, Beatrice Boots.
 
For many people, both within and beyond our organisation, Beatrice was an inspiring force: warm, committed, and always focused on people.
 
Beatrice dedicated herself to our mission and our organisation for 25 years. She was the driving force behind not only the EU STEM Coalition but also programmes such as Universum, Jet-Net. She was guided by her conviction that inspiring young people in STEM begins with the discovery of STEM subjects and having them experience it for themselves, and through this ignite a fascination. She championed collaboration between education and industry to enrich the curriculum with STEM and real-world labour-market context.
 
Her extraordinary passion inspired many people in the Netherlands, across Europe, and far beyond. We are deeply grateful for everything Beatrice has contributed to our organisation and to STEM education in the Netherlands and Europe.
 
Beatrice was in Bali with her family for a few weeks of rest at the end of a challenging year of intensive treatment for breast cancer. Following sudden complications due to reduced immunity, she passed away unexpectedly—but peacefully, surrounded by love, in the presence of her family and several close loved ones.
 
Alongside her role as Chair of the EU STEM and Chief Executive of PTvT, Beatrice also served on the Supervisory Board of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and on the Advisory Board of ScienceGuide. From 2016 to 2024 she was a member of the Supervisory Board of Nuffic, and from 2014 to 2022 she served on the Board of MS Vereniging Nederland.
 
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. We wish everyone strength and comfort during this difficult time.
 
At the family’s request, we can be contacted for any questions or messages of condolence at info@ptvt.nl. We will ensure that the family receives all messages.