From Temporary Academy was a temporary institution for higher education in the southern Netherlands at the end of the Second World War. The academy was founded in Eindhoven at the beginning of 1945 following the allied liberation of the south of the Netherlands at the end of 1944.
The purpose of the Temporary Academy was, among other things, to train academics for the Philips Physics Laboratory: all universities and colleges with programs in the exact sciences and engineering sciences were located in the then still occupied north of the Netherlands. On February 26, 1945, after approval by the Dutch government in exile, the Temporary Academy foundation in Eindhoven was formally established, with Balthasar van der Pol as chairman. Rector was Hendrik Casimir.
Excluded were students who had signed the loyalty declaration in 1943 that was demanded of students in occupied Netherlands at the time (an exception was possible for students who had signed but had not continued their studies).
The academy remained active even after the liberation of the whole of the Netherlands in May 1945, but by December of that year, the other universities had resumed their regular programs. This eliminated the need for the Temporary Academy, and it was closed. It would not be until 1956 that the Eindhoven University of Technology was established, giving Eindhoven a university institution again.
The Temporary Academy not only filled an immediate gap in higher education but also played a crucial role in the scientific and technological advancements of the post-war Netherlands. By providing specialized training for the Philips Physics Laboratory, the academy contributed significantly to the early stages of technological innovation in the region. The collaboration between the academy and Philips highlighted the importance of integrating academic research with industry needs, a principle that continues to underpin modern educational and industrial partnerships. Despite its short lifespan, the academy’s legacy lived on through its contributions to the field of physics and engineering, influencing future academic institutions and research initiatives in the Netherlands. The eventual establishment of the Eindhoven University of Technology in 1956 was a testament to the enduring impact of the Temporary Academy’s pioneering efforts and its role in shaping the future of technical education in the region.
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