Iris Vis

Iris Vis is a Professor of Industrial Engineering at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen. Her expertise lies in the design and optimization of complex logistics systems, with particular focus on container terminals, vehicle routing, inventory management, and sustainable supply chains. She has established herself as a leading researcher in operations management and operations research, with strong connections to both academic and industry partners.

Vis earned her Master's degree in Mathematics from Leiden University and completed her PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Prior to joining the University of Groningen, she served as an Associate Professor at VU University Amsterdam. She has held visiting researcher positions at CIRRELT (Canada), Virginia Tech (USA), and Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), establishing an international research network.

Her research interests span multiple domains within logistics and operations management, with recent emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, LNG as an alternative fuel, and the application of mathematical modeling to optimize complex systems. Vis has pioneered the application of Lean principles to educational logistics, working with secondary schools to optimize personalized learning processes. Her work bridges theoretical operations research with practical applications in maritime transport, energy infrastructure, and supply chain management.

Analysis of her recent publications shows a clear trend toward sustainability-focused logistics research, with increasing attention to renewable energy integration, alternative fuels (particularly LNG), and environmentally conscious supply chain design. Her work combines rigorous mathematical modeling with practical implementation considerations, making significant contributions to both academic literature and industry practice.

• Captain of Science of the Top Sector Logistics (2023)
• Presentation of research results to Queen Máxima
• Multiple NWO grants for sustainable logistics research

Vis has extensive experience collaborating with industry partners, having served as Dean of Industry Relations at the University of Groningen. She actively seeks engagement with businesses and non-profit organizations through direct visits and collaborative projects that bridge fundamental research questions with practical business challenges. Her research has led to numerous industry implementations, particularly in the areas of sustainable transport and logistics optimization. She frequently presents research findings at in-house company trainings and professional conferences.

Her work with Groningen Seaports and the logistics industry has established her as a key figure in developing sustainable transport solutions. She leads research teams focused on optimizing container terminal operations, vehicle routing, and inventory management systems, with particular attention to environmental sustainability. Her collaboration with the Top Sector Logistics has positioned her at the forefront of Dutch logistics research and innovation.