Johan van Leeuwaarden
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Prof. dr. Johan van Leeuwaarden
Professor of Stochastic Operations Research at the Department Econometrics and Operations Research“I aspire to work with students and colleagues to keep pushing the boundaries of SOR, through teaching and research.”
What is the main goal of your research?
I develop new mathematics for making decisions under uncertainty, with applications in Stochastic Operations Research (SOR). My research covers topics such as probability theory, stochastic processes and stochastic optimization. These topics are relevant for OR, but also for econometrics and mathematical finance. SOR can therefore play a connecting role within the department, further fueled by applications such as service operations management and manufacturing systems.
How does your research contribute to societal problems?
SOR can contribute to improved operational efficiency and quality in, for example, production environments and service industries. For services, uncertainty complicates planning, and decision rules are needed that can respond to increasing pressure or diverging trends. Think of healthcare, cloud computing or amusement parks. In addition to these direct applications, I also hope to contribute by transferring knowledge and tools to students and fellow scientists.
What is your main motive?
I aspire to work with students and colleagues to keep pushing the boundaries of SOR, through teaching and research. This also includes exploring new directions and collaborations. Traditionally, mathematics in OR consists of a stochastic and deterministic side. Some of the pressing challenges need both sides, which offers fascinating possibilities for collaboration with many department members.
Who is your role model?
Many people come to mind, including my PhD advisors. I have been fortunate to meet and work with many gifted researchers, each with their own specialties. I draw inspiration from every exchange. That is what makes science so beautiful. I also feel connected to scientists who were active in a different era, by studying their written work. The work of John F.C. Kingman has been a great source of inspiration for me. In the 1960s, as a young researcher, Kingman steered my field of study in a different direction, by developing a mathematical theory that radically deviated from what was done until then.