Laurens Bliek

Laurens Bliek is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He specializes in combining artificial intelligence (AI) with optimization techniques for computationally intensive problems, focusing on sustainable applications such as public transport, electric vehicles, and CO₂ reduction.

• Education: MSc in Applied Mathematics (2014), PhD in Systems & Control (2019) from Delft University of Technology.
• Prior Role: Postdoctoral researcher at the Algorithmics group, Delft University of Technology.

Research Interests: His work addresses AI-driven optimization of expensive cost functions, particularly in logistics, communications, and healthcare. He develops methods to handle computationally intensive simulators and digital twins, emphasizing real-time decision-making and sustainability.

Recent Publications: His research spans predictive maintenance using Fourier graph neural networks, real-time container yard allocation, and 5G network optimization. Articles appear in journals like IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems and Computer Networks.

Collaborations: Laurens collaborates with industry partners (LioniX, Dutch Railways) and organizations (European Supply Chain Forum, Logistics Community Brabant). He co-leads the 12-PhD program AI Planner of the Future and participates in AI sustainability working groups.

Supervision: Co-promotor of PhD students Ya Song and Abdo Abouelrous, focusing on AI applications in routing and maintenance logistics.