Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at TNO

At TNO, we believe that everyone, however different, should have the same opportunity to participate and to grow. In society in general, and as a colleague. This is why TNO strives to be a place where diversity, equity and inclusion, and working on these topics, are the most normal things in the world. We take numerous efforts to be an organization where we all feel at home and are able to be ourselves.

Our strategy

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy 2026-2029 serves as a guiding compass for all DEI initiatives within TNO. The strategy is built on three pillars: innovation, good employer practices (goed werkgeverschap) and internationalisation. By bringing together different perspectives and fostering a variety of skills, TNO can create societal impact through its innovations.

Studies consistently show that teams that acknowledge and embrace diversity, and that know how to collaborate while taking into account their differences, have stronger innovative capabilities.

Our ambition

In 2029, TNO has a culture in which every employee can flourish: a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment, where leaders and employees are aware of their responsibilities in creating and maintaining that environment.

We are aware of the strengths as well as the complexities that come with diverse teams. Because we have learned how to collaborate well, we are more creative and innovative. We deliver innovations that match the diverse needs and contexts in society.

Our priorities

We are all responsible
Embrace differences
Work together
Innovate better

TNO teams embrace diversity and inclusive and equitable ways of working that bring out the best in everyone, increasing the societal impact of our innovation

Career development at TNO is transparent and equitable, with an eye for individual needs and promotion processes that minimise bias.

TNO has a fair and transparent recruitment process that is designed to minimise bias, which leads to hiring the best people based on their competences.

Employee communities

Every day, we make a real effort to create a working environment where everyone is part of the team, and feels included and supported. We have several communities where employees can connect, support each other, collaborate and share knowledge. This way, we make better decisions and perform better in the long run. This is how we contribute to the world of tomorrow together.

  • Rainbow@TNO, the community that celebrates diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace.
  • Neurodiversity@TNO, the community for colleagues who identify with or feel related to neurodiversity (neurodivergency includes things such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), giftedness and other ways your brain might vary from the norm).
  • Cultural and International Diversity@TNO, the community for all TNO employees with diverse cultural backgrounds and all those who are interested in learning more.
  • Women@TNO, the community working to make gender equality and learning about gender equality everyday business.
  • Young TNO, the community for colleagues under the age of 36 to support personal development, socializing and knowledge exchange.

What our time setters mention about DEI

Matthijs Vonder
'As a manager, I reflect on my behavior and choices to create space for different perspectives in my team. In this way, I try to contribute to improving DEI within TNO.'
Matthijs Vonder - Research Manager Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering
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'Through my work as researcher, I aim to contribute meaningfully to advancing DEI by pushing boundaries in technology and innovation to create solutions.'
Sylvie Dijkstra - Soudarissanane - Senior Scientist Intelligent Imaging
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'I strive to build a fairer world. Not only by developing AI that benefits vulnerable people but also by fostering workplace inclusivity through my efforts at Rainbow@TNO.'
Quirine Smit - Researcher Hybrid AI

Want to become a time setter?

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Gender equality plan

Find out more about what TNO does to increase and safeguard gender equality: within the organisation, in our research and in society through our innovations.

Download the plan (pdf)

DEI Office & Board

In addition to supporting initiatives for our employees to meet and connect with each other, TNO has embedded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into its organizational structure through a DEI Office and a DEI Board in which several Directors contribute to this topic.

The DEI Office is responsible for the preparation and implementation of TNO-wide DEI policy and acts as the central hub for initiatives and activities within TNO. It also advises managers on related issues. The DEI Office works in close collaboration with the DEI Board.