Rene Kleijn
Professor Industrial Ecology
- Name
- Prof.dr. E.G.M. Kleijn
- Telephone
- +31 71 527 1498
- kleijn@cml.leidenuniv.nl
- ORCID iD
- 0000-0001-5227-5119
René Kleijn holds an MSc in chemistry and a PhD in Industrial Ecology both from Leiden University. He is now an associate professor at Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) at Leiden University.
More information about Rene Kleijn
News
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Circularity not yet a priority in energy transition and construction -
Together towards a Circular System: Leiden contributes to Growing with Green Steel -
Transition from fossil to clean energy will reduce global mining activities -
Making better use of our natural resources -
René Kleijn appointed Professor of Resilient resource supply -
'When I talked about the materials for an energy transition in 2010, people almost started to laugh' -
LDE white paper on critical materials, green energy and geopolitics -
LDE minor focuses on resources needed for energy transition
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A circular economy is about much more than just recycling -
Working on sustainable solutions: ‘Beware of the pitfalls’ -
Rene Kleijn on BNR radio about critical materials -
Online Experience 2.0 Urban Studies - City Biodiversity -
New Master Honours Classes on societal innovations -
René Kleijn about low-carbon energy -
Metal constraints for a low-carbon economy? -
Radio interview with Rene Kleijn about Urban Mining and Plastic Recycling -
Towards a liveable future -
Reuse and recycling of mobile phones -
Stans Prize for Kevin Groen -
TV-Interview Rene Kleijn about metals scarcity in relation to the energy transition -
Students make CO2 calculator
PhD candidates
Former PhD Candidates
Professional experience
René Kleijn serves as a Professor of Resilient Resource Supply at Leiden University in the Netherlands, building on his background in Chemistry (MSc) and Industrial Ecology (PhD). He currently heads the Department of Industrial Ecology at the Institute of Environmental Sciences, working alongside 25 senior staff members, 12 postdocs, and about 70 PhD students.
René has contributed to the development of Industrial Ecology and participated as a founding member of the International Society of Industrial Ecology. His work includes involvement in more than 15 EU-funded research projects and contributions to the "Groeien met Groen Staal" Growth Fund project, which focuses on sustainability in the Dutch steel sector. He helped establish the Leiden-Delft master's program in Industrial Ecology, which has grown into one of the largest educational programs in the field.
His research applies quantitative methods such as Substance and Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment across various industries including chemical, energy, mining, and recycling. Through this work, he aims to provide evidence-based insights to industry and policy stakeholders. Current research interests include critical raw materials, supply chain resilience, responsible sourcing, circular economy approaches, and understanding the material requirements of the energy transition
Professor Industrial Ecology
- Faculty of Science
- Institute of Environmental Sciences
- CML/Industrial ecology
- Kleijn R. (18 September 2023). Resourcing the future. Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Faculty of Science, Leiden University. Leiden. [inaugural address].
- Nielen S.S. van, Mirande Xicotencatl B. & Kleijn E.G.M.. International Society for Industrial Ecology. Leiden. [conference attendance].
- Kleijn E.G.M. & Sprecher B. (16 November 2022), Windambities op zee: deskundigen waarschuwen voor afhankelijkheid China. Interviewed by Niekerk R. van. [interview].
- Kleijn E.G.M. & Sprecher B. (16 November 2022), Afhankelijkheid van China voor windenergie. Interviewed by Nieuwsuur for Nieuwsuur (NPO). [interview].
- Kleijn E.G.M. (29 August 2022), Zeldzame grondstoffen die nodig zijn om magneten te maken. Interviewed by BNR radio for BNR radio (100.1 FM). [interview].
- Kleijn E.G.M. (27 June 2018), Kobalt. for Nieuwsradio (BNR). [interview].
- Kleijn E.G.M. (1 August 2018), Earth Overshoot Day. for Journaal (Radio1). [interview].
- Kleijn E.G.M. (1 August 2018), Earth Overshoot Day. for Paul en Frank in de Middag (Radio 2). [interview].
- Kleijn R. (13 August 2015), Urban mining is een hype, kringloopeconomie de echte belofte - Weg met de weggooimaatschappij. Interviewed by Olsthoorn P. for Intermediair Magazine, Achtergrond. [interview].
- Rosche D. & Kleijn R. (4 September 2015), Millenniumdoelen, grutto’s, wifi en polio. Interviewed by Kalmthout Martijn van for De Kennis van Nu radio (NTR). [interview].
- Kleijn R, Reichart G.J. & Rhee C.van (21 July 2015), Mijnbouw op de bodem van de diepzee - Metaalschaarste in Europa. Interviewed by Dirks Jeroen for De Kennis van Nu radio (NTR). [interview].
- Lid beoordelingscommissie Subsidie Circulair Verwaarden
- Lid van de wetenschappelijke klankbordgroep Nationaal MilieuProgramma