Prof. Rob Timmermans is a Professor of Theoretical Physics and Vice-Dean for Education at the University of Groningen (UG). He is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Precision Frontier — Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity. His research focuses on theoretical particle physics, quantum mechanics, and precision measurements, particularly in electric dipole moment (EDM) searches using molecules like BaF. His work includes developing methods for molecular beam manipulation, phase-space analysis, and symmetry violation studies. He has contributed to collaborations such as NL-eEDM, advancing techniques for EDM detection and precision physics. Prof. Timmermans has received nominations for teaching awards, reflecting his commitment to education. Research highlights include studies on nucleon decay, antinucleon-nucleon interactions, and chiral effective field theory. His lab activities involve collaborations on laser-cooled molecules and trapping techniques. Prof. Timmermans’ articles often address fundamental physics questions, such as Lorentz violation in beta decay and parity violation in molecular systems. Awards: Nominated for Faculty Teaching Award 2014, Teacher of the Year 2014-15. Grants/Advising: Leads projects on EDM searches and particle physics, with active roles in international collaborations. Labs/Teams: Van Swinderen Institute, Precision Frontier group.
Ron H.J. Peerlings is Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) , where he leads the Mechanics of Materials research group. Promoted to Associate Professor in 2007 after joining as Assistant Professor in 2000, he has built an extensive portfolio in theoretical and computational mechanics of materials. Education: PhD (1999) – Eindhoven University of Technology, thesis: Enhanced damage modelling for fracture and fatigue Post-doctoral research (1999–2000) – University of Cambridge, Engineering Department Research interests revolve around micromechanics , micro-plasticity , multiscale modelling , homogenisation , damage and fracture , and enriched continuum theories . His work spans advanced high-strength steels, composites, paper and fibrous networks, with strong emphasis on coupling rigorous theoretical developments to industrially motivated problems. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory towards integrating advanced experimental techniques (e.g., digital image correlation, micro-mechanical testing) with high-fidelity computational frameworks such as crystal-plasticity finite-element modelling, FFT-based solvers and micromorphic homogenisation. Dominant themes include: Deformation and fracture in lath martensite and dual-phase steels Hygro-mechanics of paper and fibrous networks Pattern-transforming mechanical metamaterials Discrete-to-continuum scale bridging methods Scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided material; however, his prolific output (294 research items, >6500 citations) attests to significant peer recognition. Teaching & supervision: He delivers courses on Computational Mechanics – Numerical Methods for Fluids and Solids and Fracture Mechanics – Theory and Application , and has supervised >80 student works and numerous PhD candidates whose names appear on joint publications. Laboratory & teams: He heads the Group Peerlings within the Mechanics of Materials cluster, maintaining close collaboration with the Mechanics of Materials Group Geers and extensive national/international experimental and computational networks.
Prof. dr. ir. C.H. (Caspar) van der Wal is a Full Professor in Physics of Quantum Devices at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen. His research focuses on spintronic and quantum information functionalities using electron/nuclear spins in semiconductor devices, combining quantum optical and electron transport methods. PhD in Quantum Transport (Delft University of Technology, 2001) Postdoc in Quantum Optics at Harvard University (2001-2003) Scientific Director of Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (2016-2022) Research keywords include Quantum Optics , Spintronics , Quantum Information , and Semiconductor Physics . Recent work explores 2D/3D semiconductor heterostructures , spin defects in SiC , and transition metal dichalcogenides . His scientific contributions have earned him the NWO-Vidi Grant (2005) , ERC Starting Grant (2011) , and multiple teaching awards. Publications since 2001 span topics like quantum superpositions in superconducting circuits, spin relaxation in quantum dots, and telecom-ready spin centers in silicon carbide. Grants : NWO-Vidi (2005), ERC Starting Grant (2011) Leadership : Scientific Director, Zernike Institute (2016-2022) Teaching : Teacher of the Year (2015), Education Prize (2012) Current affiliations include the Physics of Nanodevices group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. Collaborations span institutions like MIT, Harvard, and AMOLF.
Javier Alonso-Mora is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in Learning & Autonomous Control. His research focuses on autonomous systems, robotics, motion planning, and transportation logistics, with applications in mobile manipulation, dynamic environments, and urban mobility. He leads key projects such as INTERACT (Intuitive Interaction for Robots among Humans) and ACT (Perceptive Acting Under Uncertainty), exploring human-robot interaction, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare robotics. Notable achievements include an ERC Starting Grant (2022) and a Veni Grant (2017). His work addresses challenges in robot navigation, control systems, and fleet optimization, with contributions to both theoretical advancements and practical implementations. Projects like TRiLOGy focus on sustainable water transportation, while HARMONY advances assistive robotics in healthcare. Alonso-Mora’s research leverages geometric fabrics for motion planning, probabilistic modeling for dynamic environments, and multi-agent coordination. He collaborates internationally and contributes to open-source frameworks for robotics. His recent publications emphasize safety-aware control, instance-aware semantic mapping, and adaptive systems for cluttered environments.
Prof. dr. Steven Hoekstra is an Associate Professor of Atomic and Molecular Physics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, within the Van Swinderen Institute. His research focuses on precision measurements using cold molecules to explore fundamental physics, including Stark deceleration, laser cooling, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. He leads the NL-eEDM program at Nikhef, investigating the electron's electric dipole moment. Hoekstra is also involved in educational innovation, having received the Teacher of the Year award (2020) and a Senior Teacher Qualification (2023). He has supervised over 11 PhD theses and currently mentors 5 students. His work combines experimental techniques with theoretical insights, addressing questions like symmetry violations and quantum dynamics. Key projects include manipulating BaF molecules with electrostatic fields and exploring levitated nanoparticles as sensors. Hoekstra has secured major grants, including NWO VICI (2022) and VIDI (2013), and collaborates internationally on projects like the European Strategy for particle physics. Recent articles highlight advancements in molecular beam control, spin-precession methods for EDM searches, and opportunities in radioactive molecules. He actively participates in the Physics Olympiad Netherlands as chair, contributing to science outreach and education.
Prof. Hans van Lint is a Professor of Traffic Simulation and Computing at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where he holds the Anthony van Leeuwenhoek Chair since 2013. He is affiliated with the Department of Transport & Planning within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. His research focuses on the intersection of traffic flow theory, data analytics, and traffic simulation, with applications in estimating and predicting traffic states in networks. He has supervised numerous PhD students and contributed to valorization projects translating research into practical solutions. Van Lint earned his MSc in Civil Engineering in 1997 and returned to TU Delft for his PhD, which he completed in 2004 on 'Freeway Travel Time Prediction.' He has held roles including Assistant Professor (until 2009), Associate Professor, and has served as Director of Education for the MSc Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics program from 2010–2016. His research interests include traffic simulation frameworks, data assimilation techniques, and the development of tools for traffic state estimation. He has authored influential papers on topics such as microscopic traffic modeling, congestion pattern analysis, and macroscopic fundamental diagrams. His work emphasizes bridging theoretical models with real-world applications, enhancing traffic management and infrastructure planning. Van Lint teaches courses like 'Transport & Planning' and 'Interdisciplinary Fundamentals,' reflecting his commitment to both research and education. He actively contributes to TU Delft's labs, including the Traffic Dynamics, Modelling and Control Lab, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to mobility challenges.
Thomas Bäck is a Professor at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) , Leiden University , Netherlands, and a member of the interdisciplinary programme Society, Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences (SAILS) . His academic career spans roles at Leiden University (1996–present) and leadership positions at the Center for Applied Systems Analysis in Dortmund (1994–2000). Education : Diplom-Informatiker (Computer Science), Technische Universität Dortmund (1990) Dr. rer. nat. (Computer Science), Technische Universität Dortmund (1994) Research Interests : Dr. Bäck specializes in evolutionary computation , machine learning , and their applications in sustainable smart industry and healthcare . Recent work focuses on integrating large language models (LLMs) and quantum computing into optimization frameworks, with projects like CIMPLO (predictive maintenance), ECOLE (experience-based optimization), and SAPPAO (airline operations optimization). Scientific Contributions : His 526+ publications cover evolutionary algorithms, quantum optimization, and LLM-driven design, with recent trends including: Quantum computing (e.g., quantum approximate optimization, quantum advantage challenges) LLM integration (e.g., hyperparameter tuning, mutation control, code evolution graphs) Healthcare and industry (e.g., predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, melt quality prediction) Algorithm benchmarking (e.g., IOHprofiler, MA-BBOB, explainable benchmarking) Scientific Awards : IEEE Fellow (2022) Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) member (2021) Academia Europaea member (2022) IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Evolutionary Computation Pioneer Award (2015) Fellow, International Society of Genetic and Evolutionary Computation (2003) Best Ph.D. thesis award, German Society of Computer Science (GI) (1995) Advising and Grants : He supervises Ph.D. candidates in evolutionary computation and machine learning and has secured 7 major grants from organizations like the Dutch Research Council , European Commission , and The Research Council of Norway . His editorial roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Evolutionary Computation Journal and associate editorships in leading AI journals.
Niels van Oort is an Associate Professor of Public Transport at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), co-director of the Smart Public Transport Lab, and affiliated with the Department of Transport & Planning within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. His work focuses on public transport planning, data-driven design, and societal impacts including inclusiveness, land-use, and sustainability. He holds a dual role as a part-time consultant via his company Van Oort Mobility Consultancy since 2020. Education: MSc in Public Transport from TU Delft (2003), PhD in Service Reliability in Public Transport (2011). Professional experience includes roles at HTM (public transport operator), MIT (2009), and Goudappel Coffeng consultants (2007–2012). Transitioned to academia as a part-time assistant professor at TU Delft in 2012, becoming full-time in 2018. Research emphasizes network optimization, timetable reliability, micromobility, and first/last mile solutions. Key areas include pandemic impacts on transport behavior, digital inequality in mobility access, and sustainable transport policies. Supervises PhD students on integrated networks and passenger behavior. Teaching includes courses on public transport operations, advanced modelling, and transport networks. Active in academic publishing and conferences, with over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2010. Engaged in interdisciplinary labs like SUM Lab (Smart Urban Mobility) and contributes to public discourse through media and consultancy. Labs/Teams: Smart Public Transport Lab (co-director), SUM Lab, and Delft Transport Modelling Group. Grants and projects focus on data-driven solutions for public transport efficiency and equity.
Bart Somers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology , affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering . His primary affiliations include the Power & Flow Group and his own research group, Group Somers , alongside cross-cutting roles in EAISI (Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute) and EIRES (Eindhoven Research on Innovation and Sustainability in Energy Systems). He focuses on advancing combustion science , sustainable fuels , and engine efficiency , leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods. His research interests span alternative fuels (hydrogen, bio-oils, biofuels), high-pressure spray combustion , and low-emission engine design . He investigates combustion optimization through CFD tools like large-eddy simulation (LES) and flamelet-generated manifolds (FGM), emphasizing fuel stratification , ignition dynamics , and emission control . His work bridges experimental diagnostics (e.g., spray visualization, OH* chemiluminescence) and numerical modeling. Academically, he teaches courses such as Thermodynamics , Clean Engines and Future Fuels , and Sustainable Vehicles , integrating practical projects into curricula. His educational activities emphasize interdisciplinary sustainability and innovation, including honors programs focused on professional development. Recent publications highlight his contributions to hydrogen injection strategies, biofuel applications in genset engines, and optimization of diesel-biofuel blends. His work aligns with global sustainability goals, addressing energy transition challenges through advanced combustion technologies.
Prof. Casper Hoogenraad is a full professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on the microtubule cytoskeleton, synaptic cargo trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. He leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Cell Biology department and collaborates extensively with other neuroscience research groups. Education: PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam (1996-2001) Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2005) Hoogenraad's research spans three main themes: cytoskeleton dynamics during neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, motor proteins and adaptors as regulators of synaptic transport, and psychiatric and neurologic disease disorders linked to intracellular transport. His work combines genetics, biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology methods in in vitro (neuron cultures), ex vivo (brain slices), and in vivo (mice) systems, along with advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging, and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Analysis of Hoogenraad's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microtubule organization, neuronal polarity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function and dysfunction. His work frequently explores how disruptions in intracellular transport contribute to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, with particular attention to the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cargo transport in neuronal compartments. Scientific Awards and Memberships: ZonMW-VIDI (2004) European Young Investigators (EURYI) award (2005) NWO-ALW VICI (2011) ERC Consolidator grants (2013) FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (2014) European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Young Academy of Europe (YAE) (2015) IBRO Kemali Prize (2016) Hoogenraad leads a research group studying neuronal development and function, with a particular focus on how intracellular transport mechanisms contribute to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience techniques to investigate the molecular basis of neuronal polarity, synaptic plasticity, and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. He has secured significant research funding through prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator grants. The Hoogenraad lab operates within the Cell Biology department at Utrecht University, collaborating with other research groups focusing on cellular dynamics, biophysics, and neurobiology. The lab utilizes advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging (spinning disc microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), and quantitative analysis using advanced high-resolution microscopy (photo-activated localization microscopy). Current lab technicians include Phebe Wulf and Bart de Haan.
Professor Vedran Dunjko is a faculty member at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Leiden University, with affiliations to the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION). He leads the Applied Quantum Algorithms group and co-founded the Quantum@LIACS initiative, focusing on the intersection of quantum computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. His research interests include quantum machine learning, quantum-enhanced reinforcement learning, quantum heuristics, and the application of AI to quantum computing challenges. Dunjko's work bridges theoretical foundations with experimental implementations on near-term quantum devices, exploring both quantum advantages in learning and the use of classical AI for quantum system design. The recent publications show a strong trend toward proving quantum advantages in learning tasks, optimization, and topological data analysis, with publications in Nature , Nature Communications , and NeurIPS . Key themes include quantum policy gradients, quantum TDA, and reinforcement learning for quantum circuit optimization. ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) PNAS Cozzarelli Prize (2018) Editor’s Suggestion in Physical Review Letters (2014, 2018) Featured in Physics (American Physical Society) (2014, 2018) Dunjko advises several PhD candidates and postdocs, including Rahul Bandyopadhyay, Sofiene Jerbi, and Lea Trenkwalder. He has received competitive grants, most notably the ERC Consolidator Grant in 2024. His group fosters international collaborations with institutions across Europe and industry partners. The Applied Quantum Algorithms group and the Quantum@LIACS team combine theoretical investigations with practical implementations on quantum hardware, focusing on scalable quantum algorithms and AI-driven quantum discovery.
Said Hamdioui serves as a full Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on cutting-edge hardware architectures for neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient AI acceleration, with particular emphasis on memristor-based systems, emerging memory technologies, and fault-tolerant designs for edge applications. His research interests span Neuromorphic Computing , Memristor-Based Architectures , and Energy-Efficient AI Hardware , addressing critical challenges in hardware security, computation-in-memory, and reliable edge AI deployment. Recent work demonstrates significant advancements in RRAM/FeFET testing methodologies, spiking neural network implementations, and spin wave computing alternatives to traditional CMOS. His publications reveal strong trends toward real-world deployment of brain-inspired hardware with practical constraints like power efficiency, testability, and security. Award highlights include: DATE'20 Best Paper Award DFT'21 Outstanding Student Paper ETS 2021 Best Paper Award LATS 2018 & 2022 Best Paper Awards Professor Hamdioui actively contributes to the research community through editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on VLSI Systems , IEEE Design & Test , and Journal of Electronic Testing from 2017-2018. His leadership in multi-partner projects like CONVOLVE and NEUROKIT2E demonstrates strong industry-academia collaboration for edge AI solutions. Current work shows increasing focus on practical deployment challenges including in-field fault monitoring, security vulnerabilities in neuromorphic systems, and realistic brain simulation frameworks.
Roel C.G.M. Loonen is an Associate Professor at the Unit Building Physics and Services within the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. He holds joint appointments with EAISI High Tech Systems and EIRES Research groups, focusing on building performance simulation and energy systems. His work bridges academic research with practical applications through collaborations with SMEs in the building industry. Loonen received his BSc and MSc (cum laude) in Building Services from Eindhoven University of Technology, followed by a PhD in 2018 with a dissertation on 'Approaches for computational performance optimization of innovative adaptive facade concepts.' His educational background has positioned him as a leading expert in building performance simulation and sustainable building technologies. His research interests center on developing and applying modeling and simulation strategies to support decision-making for designing buildings that combine high indoor quality with minimal environmental impact. Key areas include adaptive facades, building-integrated renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient building envelopes. He specializes in creating and validating new building performance simulation models to advance innovative building technologies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of building performance simulation, with emphasis on residential energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, and occupant-centered approaches to building design. The work shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional building simulation methods, particularly for sensitivity analysis and optimization of building performance. REHVA Young Scientist Award (2021) Best PhD supervisor award from Department of the Built Environment, TU/e (2018) First prize - REHVA International student competition (2011) Smart daylight control for optimal building performance (NWO Take-off award, 2018) Best paper award (2021) Loonen actively supervises PhD and Master's students, evidenced by his Best PhD Supervisor Award in 2018. He manages multiple research projects including Sustainable Summer Comfort (2024-2027), Modeling Innovative Use Scenarios for Future Domestic Comfort (2023-2026), and Just Prepare (2022-2026), with funding from sources including the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His professional service includes being a board member of the Dutch-Flemish IBPSA affiliate and co-chair of IBPSA World's website committee, plus reviewing for 35 academic journals. He leads research within the Building Performance group, focusing on creating practical tools and methodologies that bridge the gap between theoretical building performance models and real-world implementation in the construction industry. His work particularly emphasizes the integration of occupant behavior and practices into building performance models, recognizing that human factors are critical to achieving sustainable building performance in practice.
Prof. Bayu Jayawardhana is a Full Professor in Mechatronics and Control of Nonlinear Systems at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He leads the Jayawardhana Group focusing on opto-mechatronics and advanced nonlinear control theories. His roles include Director of Engineering and Scientific Director of the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen. He holds editorial positions in journals like International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control and European Journal of Control . Education: PhD in Control and Power Group from Imperial College London (2006), M.Eng from Nanyang Technological University (2003), and B.Eng from Institut Teknologi Bandung (2000). Research interests span opto-mechatronics for high-tech systems, nonlinear control, and systems biology. Key projects include digital twins for energy optimization, control of ocean energy systems, and modeling of cryogenic actuators for telescopes. His work integrates AI and model-based methods for high-performance systems. Notable awards include the 2016 FSE Faculty Teacher of the Year Award and the Ben Feringa Impact Award (2020). He advises on ventures like Ocean Grazer B.V. and Sencilia B.V. Teaching includes graduate courses on nonlinear control, opto-mechatronics, and fitting dynamical models to data. His research labs include the Groningen Centre for Systems and Control and the Data Science and Systems Complexity Center.
Florian Muijres is an Associate Professor and Chairholder at the Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, where he leads the Animal Flight Lab. His research focuses on the biomechanics, aerodynamics, and flight control of natural flyers such as insects, birds, and bats, with applications in bio-inspired robotics and ecological solutions like mosquito traps and flapping-wing drones. He holds a PhD from Lund University (Sweden) and conducted postdoctoral research at the Dickinson Lab, University of Washington (USA). Research Interests: Merging experimental and computational methods, his work explores primary research on flight mechanics (e.g., mosquito evasion, butterfly gliding) and applied studies (e.g., drone design, pollinator behavior in greenhouses). His lab uses advanced videography and robotic models to study flight dynamics under real-world conditions. Labs & Teams: The Animal Flight Lab collaborates with biologists, physicists, and engineers to investigate flight adaptations in mosquitoes, bumblebees, and pied flycatchers. Projects include developing high-efficiency traps and analyzing flight performance in complex environments.
