Alumnus in the Spotlight: Peter Timmerman (PSTS'99)

Peter Timmerman on why curiosity never graduates

Interview with Peter Timmerman (PSTS’99) by Diana Dalenoord.

Inspiring people through knowledge and wonder

What do black holes, architecture, philosophy, artificial intelligence and psychology have in common? At the University of Twente’s Studium Generale, these subjects come together. For more than twenty-five years, UT alumnus Peter Timmerman (PSTS’99, then known as WWTS) has been creating inspiring lectures and events that encourage students, staff and alumni to look beyond the boundaries of their own disciplines.

Learning new things makes you both more curious and happier.

From astronomy to a broader perspective

Peter began his academic journey in Amsterdam, studying Physics and Astronomy. Although he enjoyed physics and mathematics, he missed the broader context. "I had hoped to spend much more time behind a telescope, but that turned out to be rather different." Instead, he became increasingly interested in courses on the history of science, ethics, philosophy and the role of science in society.

Through Studium Generale Amsterdam, he discovered how inspiring lectures on philosophy and societal issues could be. This eventually led him to the University of Twente, where he enrolled in the then programme WWTS, now known as Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society (PSTS). "That programme combined exactly what I was looking for: science, social sciences and the humanities. At Twente, everything fell into place for me."

A career in Science, Culture and Architecture

After graduating, Peter worked briefly as an editor for UT-Nieuws (now UToday), writing about cultural life on campus, from theatre productions to musical performances. Soon afterwards, he joined Studium Generale.

What started as a position as a staff member eventually grew into the role of Director, a position he still holds with great enthusiasm today. Thanks to his broad academic background, he is able to immerse himself in a wide variety of subjects and engage in discussions with scientists, authors and speakers from many different disciplines.

Whether it's quantum mechanics, history, psychology or black holes, I find it all fascinating.

Studium Generale: A platform for anyone seeking new perspectives

Every spring and autumn, Studium Generale organises a programme of lectures, debates and interviews on current scientific and societal topics. Putting together this programme is no simple task.

Together with programme maker and moderator Hiska Bakker, Office Manager Pascalle Verlaan, and a broad think tank representing all parts of the University of Twente, Peter curates a varied programme each season. This think tank includes students, professors, researchers and professional staff from different faculties, institutes and support services.

Ideas emerge from research at the University of Twente, developments in the region, current societal issues and thought-provoking new books. The team then carefully selects topics and speakers, ensuring a balanced programme that reflects a variety of disciplines, perspectives, backgrounds and voices.

Peter and his colleagues also maintain close contact with the national network of Studium Generale programmes, exchanging experiences with speakers and sharing recommendations on topics that have made a strong impact elsewhere.

Studium Generale helps you step outside your own bubble.

According to Peter, broadening your horizons is exactly what makes Studium Generale so valuable. "Everyone should attend a Studium Generale lecture every now and then. By nature, we tend to stay within our own bubble and choose subjects we already know something about. It is precisely by discovering something completely new that you broaden your perspective. And that only makes you more curious."

This philosophy aligns perfectly with the University of Twente's mission: connecting technology with societal impact and bringing together different disciplines.

Architecture as a second passion

Alongside his work for Studium Generale, Peter is dedicated to another great passion: architecture. In 2019, he founded Architectuur in Beeld (Architecture in Focus), a foundation that aims to help people discover how remarkable architecture can be.

He regularly leads guided tours of the University of Twente campus, introducing participants to its many architectural highlights. Peter combines his passion for architecture with photography and writing. He has authored several books, including Architectuur met een grote A (Architecture with a Capital A) and Campus in Context, anniversary publications marking the University of Twente's 50th and 55th anniversaries respectively. He has also developed a series of walking guides that allow visitors to explore the campus independently.

A campus that continues to inspire

After all these years, the University of Twente still feels like a special place to Peter. He enjoys meeting new generations of students, watching them develop during their studies and, in some cases, welcoming them back as speakers at Studium Generale.

The campus remains a place full of curiosity, new ideas and inspiring encounters. For me, the University of Twente is, in every sense, the place to be.

Calendar note

A new season of Studium Generale begins in September. One of the highlights will be a lecture by UT alumnus Martin van den Brink (AP'84), co-founder of ASML, on 29 September. The opening lecture of the new season is scheduled for 15 September.

Curious about the full programme? Take a look at the Studium Generale events calendar regularly and discover inspiring topics beyond your own field of expertise.