Dr. Ben Freivogel is a faculty member at the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam. His contact information includes the email address B.W.Freivogel@uva.nl and phone numbers +31 (0)20 525 7041 and +31 (0)6 87 07 09 29. He is based at Science Park 904, Room C4.158, in Amsterdam. Freivogel's research interests fall under Theoretical Physics , with a focus on Quantum Gravity and String Theory . His work is affiliated with the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITF) at the University of Amsterdam, where he engages in advanced theoretical research.
Hendrik Jan Hoogeboom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Leiden University, affiliated with the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) and the Theory research cluster. Research Interests: His work lies at the intersection of theoretical computer science and computational biology. He specializes in formal languages , algorithms , logic & automata (including tree-walking automata), and infinitary languages . A major theme is modeling natural computation, such as gene assembly in ciliates using graph polynomials and delta-matroids, and molecular computing paradigms like reaction systems and spiking neural P systems. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2017–2024) show a sustained focus on reaction systems and graph polynomials. He has developed formal models to analyze DNA rearrangements, explored the algebraic structure of gene assembly, and investigated the computational power of various natural computing models, often using combinatorial and algebraic tools from graph theory. Scientific Recognition: While specific awards are not listed, his extensive publication record in premier journals like Theoretical Computer Science , European Journal of Combinatorics , and Fundamenta Informaticae signifies high recognition in his field. Teaching and Mentorship: He has supervised several PhD students, including Robert Brijder, Jun Wang, and Rudy van Vliet. He teaches core courses such as Data Structures , Algorithms , Automata Theory , and Complexity , and has led seminars on topics like combinatorial game theory and SAT solvers. Laboratories and Teams: He is a key member of the Theory research cluster at LIACS, focusing on fundamental aspects of computer science. His work is deeply collaborative, especially with colleagues like Robert Brijder and W.A. Kosters.
Robert Pollice is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen , specializing in Homogeneous Catalysis . His research integrates computational chemistry , machine learning , and automated experimentation to accelerate molecular design and catalyst development . Research Interests focus on homogeneous catalysis , quantum chemistry , and machine learning applications. His work addresses challenges in reaction mechanism modeling , noncovalent interactions , and inverse molecular design , leveraging closed-loop optimization and large language models for chemical data analysis . Publications span quantum chemical simulations , solvation energy calculations , excited state engineering , and automated catalyst discovery . His recent studies explore inverted singlet-triplet gaps , machine learning for reaction modeling , and SELFIES for molecular string representations . Peer-review Contributions include evaluations for journals like Organic Process Research & Development , Materials Advances , and Chem , reflecting his expertise in catalysis , quantum chemistry , and AI-driven chemical discovery .
Koenraad Schalm is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Leiden University, affiliated with the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) within the Faculty of Science. He leads the Schalm Group, which focuses on string theory and its applications in condensed matter and cosmology through holographic duality (AdS/CFT). His research interests include string theory, quantum critical systems, holographic models of superconductivity, black hole physics, and early universe cosmology. He explores how string-theoretic models can explain experimental observations in quantum materials and primordial fluctuations. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on applying holography to condensed matter phenomena, including strange metals, superconductivity, and non-equilibrium transport. There is also significant work on cosmological perturbations and inflation, showing interdisciplinary reach between high-energy theory and observational cosmology. Vici Innovation Research Incentives Award, NWO (2013) Vidi Innovation Research Incentives Award, NWO (2004) FOM Program group grant 'Observing the big bang: the quantum universe and its imprint on the sky' (2014) NWO Graduate Program Award 'de Sitter Program in Cosmology' (2011) FOM Project grant with J. Zaanen (2009) FOM Program group grant 'A String Theoretic Approach to Cosmology and Quantum Matter' (2009) NWO van Gogh Grant with P.S. Corasaniti (2007) FOM Project grant with E. Verlinde and J.P. van der Schaar (2007) Schalm has advised numerous PhD students and collaborators, including Aravindh Swaminathan, Shankar Aleksandar Bukva, Ludwig Hoffmann, and Petter Säterskog. He has been principal investigator on multiple NWO and FOM grants. He co-organized workshops such as 'Black Hole Answers for Condensed Matter Questions' and 'Effective Field Theory in Inflation', and is actively involved in academic service. He leads the Schalm Group, which investigates the interface between string theory and experiment, particularly through the AdS/CMT correspondence. The group aims to uncover quantum signatures of string theory in condensed matter systems and cosmological data.
Prof. Stefan Vandoren is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Utrecht University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITF). He has held leadership roles as Director of ITF (2012-2018) and Head of the Department of Physics (2018-2024). His research focuses on String Theory, Cosmology, Elementary Particle Physics, and Black Hole Physics, with contributions to quantum gravity and supersymmetric field theories. He has been awarded the Descartes-Huygens Prize (2008), NWO-VICI Laureate (2009-2016), and is a Fellow of the University of Hasselt’s Faculty of Science (2012). He leads the 'Dutch Black Hole Consortium' (NWA grant, 2021-2027) and has advised numerous researchers in theoretical physics. His work bridges particle physics, cosmology, and mathematical structures like moduli spaces and orbifolds. Recent publications explore topics such as scalar clouds in Gauss-Bonnet gravity, freely acting orbifolds in string theory, and Carroll symmetry in dark energy models. His research also addresses entanglement entropy in Lifshitz systems, holographic superconductors, and black hole entropy via F-theory.
Dr. Tuna Demircik is a Researcher at Utrecht University, affiliated with the School of Science and the Physics department. Their research focuses on theoretical physics, particularly in the areas of String Theory, Cosmology, and Elementary Particles. They are based at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITF) and can be contacted via email at t.demircik@uu.nl. Research Interests: String Theory Cosmology Elementary Particles Theoretical Physics
Paul Wijnbergen is a Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. His research focuses on control strategies for autonomous vehicle systems, particularly vehicle platooning and decentralized control architectures. Research expertise includes: Mathematical modeling of vehicle dynamics Distributed control algorithms Stability analysis of cyber-physical systems Multi-agent coordination Real-time control implementation Publications develop novel control frameworks for simultaneous longitudinal and lateral control of vehicle platoons, addressing challenges in path following and inter-vehicle coordination. Research emphasizes practical engineering applications with rigorous mathematical foundations. Collaborates with automotive partners to advance autonomous driving technologies and platoon safety.
Dr. Senja Barthel is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her research bridges geometric topology and mathematical chemistry, focusing on spatial graphs and their applications in materials science. She is affiliated with the Center for Topology and Applications Amsterdam, Amsterdam Sustainability Institute, and NWO DIAMANT cluster. Current projects include Topology of molecular braids (NWO M1 grant), geometrical analysis for mass transport, and contributions to the NWA Emergence Consortium (WP4.3 and WP4.4). Research interests: entanglements in spatial graphs, embeddings in surfaces, pore geometry in materials, energy landscapes, crystal net topologies, and topological data analysis for molecular modeling. Teaching includes Linear Algebra, Differential Topology, and Calculus at BSc levels, with supervision of BSc and PhD projects. Her recent publications analyze ion diffusion in solids, thermal transport in ZIFs, and topological descriptors for crystal networks, reflecting interdisciplinary work combining mathematics, chemistry, and computational methods. Collaborators include Magnus Botnan (Dutch Applied Topology days) and Amber Mace (Uppsala Universitet).
Dr. Olupemi Oludare (University of Amsterdam) is a Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of History, specializing in Yoruba music traditions and African ethnomusicology. Their research bridges musicology, linguistics, and cultural preservation. Education PhD in Musicology (Focus: Yoruba Instrumental Systems) MA in Ethnomusicology (Specialization: African Oral Traditions) BSc in Cultural Studies (Emphasis: Indigenous Knowledge Systems) Research Interests Interdisciplinary work spans: Decoding speech surrogacy in Yoruba drums Cultural preservation through musical timelines Gender dynamics in traditional instrumentation Archiving complete African art music systems Generative approaches to rhythmic analysis Standardization of indigenous string instruments
Abel Jansma is a Research Fellow at the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (DIEP), affiliated with the University of Amsterdam's Institute of Physics (IoP) and Institute of Logic, Language, and Computation (ILLC). His work bridges physics, mathematics, and biology to study emergence, higher-order interactions, and complexity. He holds a unique interdisciplinary background, transitioning from art school to scientific research while maintaining creative projects like origami design and AI culinary applications. Research interests include quantitative mereology, information theory, and causal modelling, with a focus on decomposing systems into parts and interactions. Notable contributions involve applying Möbius inversion techniques to study higher-order effects in complex systems. He explores topics like entropy decomposition, coarse-graining, and interdisciplinary frameworks linking category theory with physics. Additional projects span art-science interfaces: creating Penrose tiling visualizations, developing AI cooking assistants (Autolenghi), and collaborating on bio-design projects (mycorrhizal transplantations). His work often emphasizes visual and conceptual clarity, with outputs ranging from mathematical blogs to physical installations. Active on social media platforms including Twitter and GitHub, he engages in open science and public communication.
Inbar Klang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She holds a PhD in Mathematics from Stanford University (2018), where her research laid the foundation for her expertise in algebraic topology. Her academic profile is deeply rooted in advanced mathematical frameworks such as homotopy theory, equivariant topology, and Poincaré duality.
Dr. Jan Stienstra is an Assistant Professor at the Mathematical Institute , Utrecht University , Faculty of Science. His work lies at the intersection of Algebraic Geometry, Number Theory, and Mathematical Physics, with a focus on Mirror Symmetry, Hypergeometric Functions, and Calabi-Yau Varieties. Research Interests Algebraic Geometry and Motives Mirror Symmetry and String Theory Hypergeometric Systems and Quivers Dimer Models and Mahler Measure Crystalline Cohomology and Dessins d'Enfants His recent publications (2006-2018) analyze connections between mirror symmetry, dimer models, hypergeometric systems, and algebraic cycles, with applications to string theory and arithmetic geometry. Earlier works (1975-2001) explore K-theory, Picard-Fuchs equations, and modular forms. Professional Activities Member, Royal Dutch Mathematical Society (Wiskundig Genootschap) since 1996 Invited speaker at international workshops on Mirror Symmetry (2002, 2011) and Calabi-Yau manifolds (2010, 2011) Contributor to conferences on algebraic geometry and physics (1997-2011)
Sebastian De Haro Ollé is a researcher at the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) under the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam . His work bridges the philosophy of science , philosophy of physics , and theoretical physics , with a focus on foundational questions in quantum gravity, dualities, and the societal implications of quantum technology. Research interests include: Background independence in classical and quantum gravity Philosophical implications of dualities in physics Quantum-safe cryptography and its societal impact Theoretical equivalence and interpretative frameworks Projects and grants he leads or co-leads include Space and Time for Experimental Philosophy (NWO, 2023–2025) Philosophy and Physics of Duality (NWO Open Access grant, 2024–2025) Emergence At All Scales (NWO, 2025–2030, co-PI) Quantum Impact on Societal Security (NWO, 2023–2028) A Responsible Quantum-Safe Cryptography Transition (Quantum Delta NL, 2024–2025) Moral Smart Cities (NWO Raak-Pro, 2023–2027, co-PI)
Dr. R. (Ro) Jefferson is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University with a dual 50/50 appointment between the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) and the Department of Information and Computing Sciences (ICS). Their research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of physics and information theory to deep learning and neuro-inspired AI, including mathematical connections between neural networks and renormalization group flows. Additionally, they study holography, black holes, quantum gravity, and quantum information theory's role in fundamental physics. They actively contribute to EDI efforts through committee memberships and public advocacy for marginalized groups in academia. Education background: PhD (Theoretical Physics, University of Amsterdam, 2017), MSc (Physics, McGill University, 2013). Former roles include Nordita Fellow (2020–2022) and postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (2017–2020). Courses taught include Advanced Quantum Field Theory and Research Methods for Computer Science. Research interests include: quantum field theory applications in AI, modular theory's implications for black hole interiors, and statistical field theory methods for deep network analysis. Their work bridges theoretical physics with machine learning through frameworks like the NN/QFT correspondence. Recent publications explore traversable wormholes, entanglement entropy, and critical phenomena in neural networks. Outreach activities include speaking at I, Scientist 2019, Berlin Museum für Naturkunde, and LGBTQIA+ science showcases. Advocacy focuses on combating pseudoscience affecting trans healthcare access and climate misinformation.
Prof. Thomas W. Grimm is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Utrecht University, where he also serves as Programme Director for Physics. His research focuses on quantum gravity, string theory, and their intersections with advanced geometry and mathematical logic. He holds the chair in Quantum Gravity and Geometry. Recent grants include an NWO Vici (2020) and NWO Start-Up (2018). He was awarded the Frontiers of Science Award 2023. His educational leadership includes directing physics programs and leading a research group exploring moduli space holography, flux vacua, and cosmological correlators. Key research themes involve tame geometry applications to quantum field theories and geometric constraints in string compactifications. His work bridges abstract mathematics with physical realizability, addressing swampland conjectures and cosmological implications of string theory. Education includes a PhD from the University of Hamburg (2005), a Master's from Cambridge University (2002), and postdoctoral positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich. His research group actively investigates geometric aspects of string theory, with recent emphasis on period structures, complexity classifications, and effective field theory constructions. Collaborations span theoretical physics and pure mathematics, aiming to resolve foundational questions in quantum gravity and cosmology.
