As of 1 January 2025, Johann Hurink will take up the role of Discipline Chair of Mathematics for the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente. He succeeds Stephan van Gils, who is retiring.
Boudewijn Haverkort, Dean of the Faculty of EEMCS about appointing Hurink as the new discipline chair: “The Faculty Board is delighted that Johann Hurink is taking on this significant role. Applied Mathematics holds a vital position within the university, both in education and research. Throughout his career, Johann has demonstrated the unifying power of mathematics exceptionally. This integrative role is crucial for both the department and the university as a whole. The Faculty Board looks forward to an inspiring and productive collaboration."
Academic career
Professor Johann L. Hurink brings extensive experience to his new role. Since joining the University of Twente in 1998, Hurink has played an integral role in applied mathematics, advancing from assistant professor to his current position as full professor in the field of Mathematics of Operations Research in 2009. His research expertise lies in optimization and control problems, particularly in energy management and smart grids. He leads a multidisciplinary team within EEMCS and collaborates extensively with other faculties at the University of Twente, across the Netherlands and Europe.
He has published more than 200 refereed papers in international journals and conferences and has been involved in many European and national research projects. His accomplishments also include serving as Director of the Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research (LNMB) from 2010 to 2019 and as Director of the 4TU Applied Mathematics Institute (AMI) from 2020 to 2024.
Vision for mathematics at EEMCS
As Discipline Chair, Hurink sees mathematics as a connector between disciplines. He advocates for open and boundary-free collaboration and encourages innovation by combining expertise across fields. "We should seek opportunities for open collaboration and invest in creating an environment where young researchers can excel and fully develop their potential," he says. He also aims to strengthen interdisciplinary projects within the faculty and beyond.
Hurink is particularly passionate about nurturing the next generation of scholars. He highlights the importance of providing young researchers with opportunities to grow, highlighting the need to create a supportive environment for their academic and professional development.
For more about Professor Hurink's work and his ongoing projects, visit his personal webpage or the EEMCS Energy site.
