Andre Geim, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, has been stripped of his Dutch citizenship after obtaining British nationality to accept a knighthood. The Netherlands’ strict laws on dual citizenship have left him “extremely annoyed” and questioning the decision, despite his strong personal ties to the country.
Nobel Laureate Andre Geim Loses Dutch Citizenship After Accepting British Knighthood
Nobel Laureate Andre Geim Loses Dutch Citizenship After Accepting British Knighthood
The physicist known for his groundbreaking work in graphene now grapples with the implications of his dual nationality status.
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Andre Geim, known for his contributions to the field of graphene research, has lost his Dutch citizenship after accepting a British knighthood thirteen years ago. The change in his citizenship status was announced by the Dutch government, leading Geim to express significant frustration over the matter.
Originally born in Russia in 1958, Geim moved to the Netherlands in the 1990s where he adopted Dutch citizenship while working at Radboud University. Throughout his career, he earned recognition not only in the Netherlands but across the globe, particularly after winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 alongside his colleague Konstantin Novoselov for their pioneering experiments with graphene, the world’s thinnest and strongest material.
Despite his considerable achievements, the Dutch government informed him that accepting British citizenship meant he had to relinquish his Dutch passport. This decision aligns with the Netherlands' stringent restrictions on dual nationality, leaving Geim with the stark reality of being unable to identify as a citizen of both nations.
In an email statement, the accomplished physicist described himself as a "Dutch-British Nobel Prize winner" and expressed deep disappointment at the outcome. "The history and my time living and working in the Netherlands are very close to my heart," he shared, characterizing the withdrawal of his citizenship as "sad and odd."
As he now navigates the complexities of his new status, Geim’s situation highlights the sometimes burdensome nature of citizenship laws, especially for those with global careers that cross national borders. The scientist’s focus continues to remain on his work, even as he adjusts to this unexpected twist in his personal identity.
