01 / Philosophy
Keep the question open.
Knowledge gives us new possibilities. Philosophy asks what they mean, who they affect and how we might live with them.
The SuperNatural Foundation
Two ways of looking.
A shared curiosity.
The SuperNatural Foundation was founded by scientist Anne Rios and writer Stephan Ummelen. Together, they bring scientific discovery into conversation with art, philosophy and the experience of being human.
For us, SuperNatural is the extraordinary within nature. A microscopic image can open a new way of seeing. An exhibition can become a meeting place. A question can connect people who might otherwise never meet.
Our purpose
Wonder and explanation belong together.
We create exhibitions and encounters that make scientific questions accessible through art and stories. We work with researchers, artists and cultural partners to bring these questions into public life.
Our projects begin with living systems and lead back to people: the lives behind the research, the experiences we share and the responsibilities that come with discovery.
Explore our workWhat guides us.
Four perspectives
02 / Science
Follow the evidence.
Curiosity begins with looking closely. We value rigorous inquiry, the willingness to be surprised and clarity about what remains unknown.
03 / Art
Make room for another view.
Art can make the unfamiliar tangible and the familiar strange. It gives us a way to experience a question before trying to answer it.
04 / Community
Bring more voices into the room.
The questions raised by science concern all of us. We believe in the inherent worth of every person and the value of different perspectives.
The people behind the foundation.
Foundation board
Co-founder / Science
Prof. Anne Rios
A scientist working with advanced microscopy, Anne brings the perspective of the laboratory and a fascination with the forms of living systems.
Co-founder / Philosophy
Stephan Ummelen
A writer and speaker on meaning, Stephan explores the stories that help people understand themselves and connect with one another.
Board / Community
Dr. Britt Vervoort
Britt brings a focus on community: connecting people, welcoming different perspectives and creating space for a shared conversation.
Board: Operations
Hannah Leferink
Hannah is a co-founder and the operational force behind The SuperNatural Foundation. She brings people, ideas and all the practical pieces together, turning creative concepts into projects that invite people to see science differently.
Supporting childhood cancer research
A closer look.
A better future.
Our foundation is proudly affiliated with the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. We collaborate with the Dream3D lab, which uses pioneering imaging techniques to advance research towards better treatments and a cure for every child with cancer.