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.
Roger J.E. Jaspers is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and a part-time Professor at Ghent University in Belgium, affiliated with the Applied Physics and Science Education school and specializing in the Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion. His research focuses on spectroscopic diagnostics of ion processes in fusion plasmas, particularly energetic alpha particles in fusion-born reactions. Collaborations include international fusion experiments like W7-X (Germany), JET (UK), and KSTAR (South Korea). He leads the scientific R&D for the ITER CXRS instrumentation system and has authored over 90 peer-reviewed papers. His work spans topics such as: Relativistic electrons Plasma energy transport Magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) Fusion reactor instrumentation He contributes to educational initiatives like the TU/e Fusion Master program, FUSENET, and the Erasmus Mundus Programme FUSION-DC.
Dr. Martin Rohde is a Professor and Group Leader at the Radiation Science & Technology department within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. He leads the Transport Phenomena & Nuclear Applications research group, focusing on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, particularly molten salt reactors, and their associated transport phenomena. Professor Rohde's research interests span across several critical areas in nuclear engineering and fluid dynamics. His work primarily focuses on understanding transport phenomena in nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on molten salt reactors for sustainable and safe nuclear power generation, innovative production techniques of medical isotopes, and advanced energy storage systems like flow batteries. His research group actively investigates complex physical phenomena occurring under extreme conditions such as high pressures, high temperatures, and interactions with radioactive processes. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on computational methods for nuclear applications, particularly the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), which is used to model fluid flow, heat transfer, and phase change phenomena in nuclear systems. Recent work has concentrated on freezing and melting processes in molten salt reactors, microfluidic separation techniques for medical isotopes, and advanced modeling of flow batteries. His research shows a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated numerical methods applied to real-world nuclear engineering challenges. Professor Rohde has secured significant funding through multiple European Commission projects including ENDURANCE, MIMOSA, and ReZilient, demonstrating the international recognition of his research. He has supervised numerous PhD and MSc students, many of whom have gone on to complete theses on topics related to molten salt reactors, microfluidics, and flow battery technology. His research group includes several technicians, post-doctoral researchers, and PhD candidates working collaboratively on cutting-edge nuclear technology. The Transport Phenomena & Nuclear Applications laboratory operates several specialized facilities including the ESPRESSO facility for measuring melting and solidification under convective boundaries, and experimental setups for studying molten salt behavior, microfluidic purification, and flow battery technology. The group maintains strong collaborations with international partners including TRIUMF (Canada), NRG, and URENCO (The Netherlands).
Cyrus C.C. Mody is a Professor in the History of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Director of the STS Program at Maastricht University. Formerly an Associate Professor (2014–2015) and Assistant Professor (2007–2014) at Rice University's Department of History, his research focuses on the commercialization of academic science, energy humanities, and the technopolitics of scarcity. He leads the NWO-funded 'Managing Scarcity and Sustainability' project and co-leads the ERC Synergy 'Nanobubbles' initiative examining scientific record correction. His expertise spans applied physics, university-industry partnerships, and countercultural science in the US since 1965. Education: Ph.D. (2004), M.A. (2001), Cornell University, Science and Technology Studies A.B. (1997), Harvard University, Engineering Sciences (magna cum laude) Research Interests: Mody explores how scientific knowledge interacts with industry, policy, and culture. Key themes include: Energy transitions and environmental diplomacy Historical roles of oil and semiconductor industries Responsible innovation frameworks Risk communication in science Grants & Collaborations: NWO Vici Grant (2020–2025): Investigates oil industry's role in sustainability debates ERC Synergy 'Nanobubbles': Addresses scientific discourse integrity Postdoc and PhD supervision in energy humanities and nanotechnology ethics Public Engagement: Mody critiques authoritarian threats to science, advocates for interdisciplinary education, and publishes in venues like Volkskrant and Science & Education . His 2022 MIT Press book The Squares analyzes 1970s scientist activism.
Prof. Freek J. Beekman is a Full Professor and head of the Biomedical Imaging section within the Department of Radiation Science & Technology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Applied Sciences. He is a leading figure in biomedical imaging, with extensive contributions to nuclear imaging technologies, including SPECT, PET, and CT. His research spans detector development, image reconstruction algorithms, hybrid photonic imaging, and the application of artificial intelligence in medical imaging. Research Interests: His work focuses on advancing imaging modalities through innovations in hardware (e.g., multi-pinhole collimators) and software (e.g., deep learning for attenuation correction). He has pioneered ultra-high-resolution imaging systems, particularly for preclinical and clinical SPECT, and has developed integrated platforms like U-SPECT-BioFluo. His recent research explores glymphatic delivery of nanoparticles, infection imaging, and AI-driven reconstruction techniques, reflecting a strong translational focus. Publication Trends: His most recent publications (2021–2023) emphasize deep learning in SPECT, multi-isotope imaging, high-resolution ex vivo systems, and applications in neuroimaging and oncology. The articles demonstrate a consistent focus on improving image quality, resolution, and clinical utility through physics-informed and AI-enhanced methods. Scientific Awards: NWO Physics Valorization Prize Innovation of the Year Award by the World Molecular Imaging Society (2015, 2018) Edward Hoffman Memorial Award (2017) Bruce Hasegawa Memorial Award (2021) FOM Valorization Award (2013) TU Delft Entrepreneurial Award (2010) Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, his leadership in large collaborative projects and supervision of numerous publications suggests active mentoring. He has secured significant funding through national and international grants, evidenced by his invention of over 20 patent families and successful technology transfer. His founding and leadership of MILabs BV (sold to Rigaku) highlights his impact on commercialization and industry-academia collaboration. Labs and Teams: He leads the Biomedical Imaging research group at TU Delft, which develops cutting-edge imaging systems such as VECTor (SPECT-PET) and EXIRAD-HE. His teams have produced technologies used globally in academic and pharmaceutical research, contributing to tracer development and therapeutic innovation.
Raimond Snellings is Professor of Physics and Head of Department at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. He leads the Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP) research group and serves as scientific director of the Institute of Gravitational and Subatomic Physics. Snellings is also program leader of the Dutch ALICE program and conducts research within the ALICE experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. His research focuses on experimental heavy-ion physics, where he creates matter at extreme densities and temperatures through heavy-ion collisions to study Quantum Chromodynamics and properties of the early universe. Snellings is an expert on collective flow phenomena, and his work was foundational to the discovery of the perfect liquid behavior of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP). His research group developed sophisticated statistical techniques for reliable flow measurements in the ALICE experiment. Snellings' recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate his leadership in heavy-ion physics, with research spanning quarkonium production, strangeness enhancement, light nuclei production, flow phenomena, and heavy-flavor physics. These works collectively advance our understanding of fundamental properties of matter under extreme conditions created in high-energy collisions. FOM "springplank" (2001) NWO Vidi grant (2005) NWO Vici grant (2011) Elected member of Academia Europaea (2016) As department head and research leader, Snellings oversees significant research programs while maintaining active involvement in international collaborations at CERN, directing both institutional strategy and cutting-edge research in nuclear and particle physics.
Behnam Taebi is Full Professor of Energy & Climate Ethics and Scientific Director of the Safety & Security Institute at Delft University of Technology. He leads TU Delft | The Hague, a university-wide initiative connecting engineering knowledge with public policy. His work bridges technology, ethics, and policy through roles at Harvard University’s Belfer Center (2014–2020) and The Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2016–2021). As co-Editor-in-Chief of Science and Engineering Ethics , he contributes to shaping ethical discourse in engineering. BSc in Material Science and Engineering (2006) PhD in Philosophy of Technology (2010) Taebi's research focuses on the ethical dimensions of energy systems, nuclear technology, and climate engineering. He explores intergenerational justice, distributive equity, and responsible innovation frameworks. His work integrates value-sensitive design and moral emotions to address uncertainties in technological risk governance, particularly for nuclear energy and carbon capture. Recent publications highlight ethics in nuclear waste repositories, climate policy metaphors, and synthesizing justice frameworks. His VENI-grant from NWO supports innovative research on technological risks. Collaborations span the OECD Expert Panel on transdisciplinary research and co-editorship of influential volumes like The Ethics of Nuclear Energy (Cambridge, 2015) and Ethics and Engineering: An Introduction (Cambridge, 2021). As Scientific Director of the Safety & Security Institute , he leads interdisciplinary efforts to address societal challenges through engineering ethics. His initiatives emphasize inclusive energy transitions, equitable climate strategies, and bridging technical and social sciences in policy-making.
Wiktor Szymanski is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Photopharmacology, and Imaging at the University of Groningen, affiliated with both the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. He leads the SzymanskiLab, pioneering research in light-controlled therapeutics (photopharmacology) and molecular imaging. His work integrates organic chemistry, biochemistry, and medical applications to develop precision medicines activated by light. Research Focus: Design of photoswitchable molecules for drug delivery and diagnostic imaging Development of light-activated antibiotics and anticancer agents Chronophotopharmacology: light-based circadian rhythm regulation Novel PET/MRI contrast agents for clinical translation Key Achievements: ERC Synergy Grant (2023) for GRAIL consortium 2025 Pharmacy Lecturer of the Year (University of Groningen) Over 150 peer-reviewed publications Grants & Collaborations: Leadership of HTRIC Precision Medicine theme Collaborations with Hamburg Advanced Research Centre (HARBOR) European Innovation Council-funded optoacoustic imaging projects Lab Activities: Interdisciplinary training in synthetic chemistry, bioimaging, and pharmacology Active participation in international conferences (e.g., Photopharmacology Symposium series) Spin-off projects in light-controlled surgery and imaging-guided therapies
Sabine Roeser is a Full Professor of Ethics at Delft University of Technology, working within the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. She has been with TU Delft since 2001 and has held several leadership positions including Head of the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section (2015-2020), Head of Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (2021-2024), and Acting Dean of the Faculty of TPM (November 2024-April 2025). As one of six Principal Investigators in the NWO Gravitation project on 'Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies' (ESDiT), she co-leads the emotions and art lines of this major research initiative. Her educational background spans multiple disciplines, with degrees in painting (BA, Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts, 1994), philosophy (MA, University of Amsterdam, cum laude 1997), political science (MA, University of Amsterdam 1998), and a PhD in metaethics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2002). During her PhD studies, she conducted research at the University of Notre Dame and University of Reading. Roeser's research focuses on the intersection of ethics, emotions, and technology, particularly in the context of risk assessment and decision-making. She has developed 'affectual intuitionism,' a metaethical theory combining ethical intuitionism with cognitive theories of emotions. Her work argues that emotions serve as forms of moral cognition that can alert us to ethically relevant aspects of risky technologies. She has published two monographs ( Moral Emotions and Intuitions , 2011; Risk, Technology and Moral Emotions , 2018) and co-edited eight books with major academic publishers. Her research spans multiple technological domains including nuclear energy, climate change, transportation, and public health. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the role of emotions in ethical decision-making, particularly in technological contexts. Her work increasingly explores how art can scaffold moral-emotional deliberation about risky technologies. She has made significant contributions to engineering ethics education, developing the 'Delft approach' that emphasizes problem-based learning and integration of ethical reflection throughout engineering curricula. More than 200 academic talks, mostly invited Over 100 interviews for popular media Member of various national and international policy advisory committees Former integrity officer of TU Delft (2018-2021) Chair of TU Delft's Human Research Ethics Committee (2014-2019) Roeser has secured competitive funding from organizations including NWO and the EU, leading multiple research projects and supervising numerous PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. She has played a key role in developing TU Delft's integrity policy and Code of Conduct. Her leadership has significantly grown both the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section and the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation.
Bjorn Baumeier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research group is part of the Centre for Analysis, Scientific Computing and Applications (CASA) and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). He also participates in several research groups including Scientific Computing, ICMS Core, Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir institute, and Computational Quantum & Molecular Dynamics. His educational background includes: Diploma in Theoretical Solid State Science from the University of Münster PhD in Theoretical Solid State Science from the University of Münster Baumeier's research focuses on the development and application of multiscale simulation techniques for studying electronic transport processes in soft matter. His work combines approaches from computational chemistry, statistical physics, and mathematics to analyze the interplay between molecular electronic structure and material morphology. Additional research lines include studies of disordered biomolecular assemblies and super-coarse-grained modeling of soft granular materials. His group employs large-scale computer simulations linking quantum chemistry, classical Molecular Dynamics at various levels, and rate-based models. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on charge transport phenomena in complex materials, with particular emphasis on interface effects in polymer composites, trap identification in molecular networks, and embedded many-body Green's function methods. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in energy materials and opto-electronic devices. Scientific awards include: Vidi grant from NWO (The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) in 2017 (€800,000) Baumeier has received significant research funding, most notably the Vidi grant focusing on understanding mechanisms underlying long-distance and spin-selective electronic transport in complex molecular systems. His research is often conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions and research groups within TU/e, indicating a strong interdisciplinary approach. His work has practical applications in opto-electronic devices and bio-molecular processes. His research group operates within the Computational Quantum & Molecular Dynamics group, which is part of several larger research initiatives at TU/e including ICMS and the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir institute. This positioning allows for strong collaboration across physics, chemistry, and engineering disciplines.
Albert P.H.J. Schenning is a Full Professor of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His work focuses on developing smart materials for sustainable energy, healthcare, and environmental applications. He holds roles in the TU/e’s Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories (EPL) and the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC). Education: M.Sc. (1992) and Ph.D. (1996) in Chemistry from Radboud University Nijmegen. Postdoctoral research at TU/e (1996) and ETH Zurich (1997). Became a KNAW fellow (1998–2003) before advancing through academic ranks at TU/e: Assistant Professor (2003), Associate Professor (2005), and Full Professor (2014). Research interests include stimuli-responsive polymers, self-healing materials, and liquid crystal actuators. Notable projects involve smart materials for food packaging, greenhouses, and photonic coatings. Awards include the Alfred Saupe Prize (2024) and Golden Medal from the Royal Dutch Chemical Society (2005). Teaching: Courses include Molecules and Materials, Experimental Soft Matter, and Nanomaterials. Supervised over 128 students. Collaborations span industries like DSM and Merck. Labs/Teams: Leads the Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD) group, engaged in multidisciplinary projects from molecule-to-device development.
Dr. Oliver Plümper is an active researcher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, specifically within the Earth Sciences department and the Structural Geology & Electron Microscopy group. His work spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of geology, chemistry, physics, and materials science, with a particular focus on understanding processes occurring at the nanoscale that influence large-scale geological phenomena. Plümper's research interests center around fluid-rock/mineral interaction, nano(geo)sciences, mineral physics, and rock deformation. He employs a multi-faceted approach that combines natural observations, experimental techniques, micro and nano-analytics, and numerical modeling to address fundamental questions in Earth sciences. His work particularly emphasizes how nanoscale processes in the Earth's interior can influence large-scale geological structures and phenomena, including mountain building, earthquake generation, and the carbon cycle. His current research portfolio includes several major projects: the ERC Starting grant 'nanoEARTH' investigating mineral-water interactions deep within the Earth; the Dutch Research Council Vidi project 'RELEASE' studying carbon cycling in subduction zones; the EU INFRAIA project 'EXCITE NETWORK' as co-Principal Investigator supporting access to advanced imaging facilities; the UIO-UU project 'serpAI' using artificial intelligence to study mantle rock alteration; and the UU-NIOZ project 'I-NANO' examining iron nanoparticles' effects on ocean biogeochemistry. These projects collectively demonstrate his focus on understanding how nanoscale processes influence planetary-scale phenomena. Plümper is a strong advocate for open science and transdisciplinary research, leading a diverse team of scientists from earth sciences, chemical engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He actively contributes to the Utrecht University Electron Microscopy Center and is involved in multiple initiatives promoting open access to analytical facilities. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive publication record across high-impact journals including Nature Geoscience, PNAS, and Geology, with research spanning from fundamental mineral physics to applications in geothermal energy, raw material extraction, and carbon storage.
Chase Broedersz is an Associate Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Science's Physics of Living Systems department and the LaserLaB - Energy research group. He leads interdisciplinary research on cell migration, chromosome mechanics, and active matter, combining experimental and theoretical approaches. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Research Interests: Focus on cell migration dynamics , chromosome organization , biopolymer mechanics , and nonlinear elasticity . Recent studies explore bacterial chromosome topology, metastasis prevention mechanisms, and 3D nuclear deformation during cell movement. His methods include Hi-C data analysis, single-molecule tweezers, and computational modeling. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes chromosome condensation mechanics , active matter dynamics , and nonlinear elasticity in biopolymers . Key 2024-2025 studies include ion-mediated mitotic chromosome mechanics and metastasis suppression by miR-200c. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants/Advising: Supervised one PhD thesis and contributes to datasets like biopolymer matrix nonlinear elasticity studies. Labs/Teams: Active in LaserLaB and collaborates internationally on cell migration and chromosome physics.
Michal Onderco is a Full Professor of International Relations in the Department of Public Administration and Sociology at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam. His academic work focuses on nuclear non-proliferation, informal cooperation in international institutions, and the domestic drivers of European foreign and security policy. His research interests include: Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament Informal state cooperation in international politics Public opinion and foreign policy European security and defense policy Political party positions on energy and security International treaty compliance and multilateralism His recent publications (2024–2025) demonstrate a strong thematic focus on the global and European implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly on nuclear policy shifts (notably the German 'Zeitenwende'), public attitudes toward nuclear weapons, and energy security in Europe. He frequently collaborates with scholars such as Tomáš Bunde, Michal Smetana, and Valeria Vignoli, publishing in leading journals like The Nonproliferation Review and Review of International Organizations . He has contributed to significant research datasets, including the International Treaty Ratification Votes Database and replication data for studies on Slovak parliamentary politics. Michal Onderco has held several prestigious academic fellowships: CISAC Junior Faculty Fellow, Stanford University (2018–2019) Max Weber Fellow, European University Institute (2014–2015) Fulbright Visiting Researcher, Columbia University (2012–2013) He earned his PhD in political science from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2014. He has delivered academic presentations on topics such as nuclear diplomacy in the Global South, the Iran nuclear crisis, and the impact of global crises on international cooperation.
Ronnie Hoekstra is a Full Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, leading the Quantum Interactions and Structural Dynamics group within the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. He holds a PhD in Physics and has extensive postdoctoral experience in atomic and molecular physics, including roles at AMOLF (Netherlands), the JET fusion reactor (UK), and the University of Osnabrück (Germany). His research focuses on ion interactions, plasma dynamics, and EUV light sources for semiconductor applications. He is a founding member of the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) and serves as group leader there. Education: Studied Applied Physics at the University of Groningen, completed his PhD under Prof. Frits de Heer (AMOLF). Postdoctoral work at JET and Osnabrück University. Research Interests: Electron capture mechanisms, laser-driven plasmas, EUV nanolithography, and surface science. His work contributes to the development of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies and fundamental plasma physics. Grants & Collaborations: Secured multiple EU, EURATOM, and NWO grants. Collaborates with ASML, ARCNL, and international institutions like the European Physical Society. Leads projects on plasma dynamics and ion-beam interactions. Labs/Teams: Heads the Quantum Interactions and Structural Dynamics lab at the Zernike Institute and the EUV Plasma Dynamics group at ARCNL.
