Erwin Folmer

Erwin Folmer holds the Applied Data Science & AI professorship at HAN University of Applied Sciences. He is an experienced researcher and consultant specializing in the intersection of business and ICT. His current roles include leading the Data Science Team at the Dutch Land Registry (part-time), serving as a Steering Committee Member of Platform Linked Data Netherlands, and participating in academic advisory boards. Folmer obtained his PhD from the University of Twente in 2012 with a dissertation on semantic standards quality.

His research focuses on data interoperability, linked open data, knowledge graphs, and AI applications in real-world contexts. Notable projects include developing the Kadaster Knowledge Graph and advancing FAIR metadata schemas for geospatial data. Folmer also contributes to national initiatives like the National Study Choice Center and European collaborations through platforms like EuroSDR.

Education: PhD (2012) in Information Systems from University of Twente; prior work at TNO as senior scientist and lecturer roles at University of Twente.

Professional Activities:

• Member of Permanent Advisory Board for Semantics Conference
• Contributor to Platform Linked Data Netherlands experimental environments (Utrecht Big Data Value Center)
• Development of tools like GeoDataWizard for spatial data creation

Data Science Group Leadership: Oversees interdisciplinary research integrating data science with AI, emphasizing accessibility and practical applications across government, business, and academia.