Two UG professors appointed NAE Fellow

Prof. Iris Vis and Prof. André Faaij have been appointed Fellows of The Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE). The NAE brings together leading experts in the areas of technological sciences and applied research and development from various knowledge institutions and the industry.

Iris Vis

Iris Vis is Professor of Industrial Engineering at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the UG and Captain of Science of the Top Sector Logistics. Vis is an inspiring and unifying leader who realizes technological innovations and societal impact. She played a crucial role in the building of Northern ecosystems for digitization and smart mobility. Her research, which focuses on logistics and cross-sector solutions in teaching, healthcare, and energy, is original and often cited. Vis combines mathematical modelling with design-oriented research, especially in logistics processes. She is among the top 2% most-cited scientists in her field. Vis led successful innovation projects, such as the development of logistics networks for LNG and teaching logistics for personalized learning. Her contributions strengthen the societal impact of science and technology.

André Faaij

André Faaij is Director of Science & Technology at TNO Energy & Materials Transition and works part-time as Professor of Energy System Analysis at the UG and Utrecht University. As internationally recognized leader in energy research, he combines cutting-edge insights with multidisciplinary collaboration. His research focuses on accelerating the energy transition and industrial transformation and thus crucial innovation and policy strategy. Driven by urgency, he works towards a sustainable energy supply and a circular economy, while focusing on system solutions and positive strategic impact within and outside the Netherlands.

Engineering in Groningen

For decades, the UG has been the only broad-based research university in the Netherlands that accommodates engineering in both teaching and applied research. In 1958, the University was the first to start with degree programmes in engineering and, currently, there are more than 20 engineering degree programmes. Since 1971, the UG has been allowed to award the Dutch engineering degree (ingenieur, ir.). This technological profile has been strengthened by the Board of the University by establishing the Groningen Engineering Center in 2016.

Leading experts from various sectors

NAE Fellows are leading experts who are engaged in technological sciences and applied research and development from scientific, governmental, and industrial organizations in the Netherlands. NAE brings together a group of Fellows from a diverse background, chosen for their prestigious track record in impactful engineering-based innovation, their motivation and ability to make a difference, and for their unbiased, cross-sectoral and integrity-driven attitude.