Computer scientist Tim Baarslag appointed fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering

Utrecht computer scientist Tim Baarslag is one of the top experts appointed to join the Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE). The NAE is a new initiative that brings together Dutch leading experts and innovators in science. The goal is to address societal issues from the latest technological developments. The NAE receives financial support from the Dutch Ministries of Education, Culture, and Science, as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.

Technological developments, from electricity to artificial intelligence, have dramatically changed the world. According to the NAE, the judicious use of technology is crucial to realising innovations needed for the sustainable development of our society; a society that also has broad access to good healthcare, food, energy, water, and housing.

Most countries around us already have an Academy of Engineering and they play a pivotal role in the technological playing field

Pivotal role

Tim Baarslag is grateful for the privilege of being part of the inaugural cohort of the NAE. "Most countries around us already have an Academy of Engineering and they play a pivotal role in the technological playing field," he says. "I am therefore very much looking forward to give substance to the Academy of Engineering in the Netherlands, together with the other members." A key objective of the NAE is to position the Netherlands in relation to international initiatives. "In the field of artificial intelligence, this involves, for example, the European Chips-Act and the AI-Act. I would very much like to contribute to that," Baarslag said.

Computers that can negotiate

Baarslag is Associate Professor at Utrecht University and studies intelligent and autonomous systems that can make collaborative decisions. Practical applications include, among others, Internet of Things, commerce, self-driving vehicles and digital privacy and security. In 2022, he received a Vidi grant to establish his own line of research into algorithms for negotiations that are too complex for humans to oversee. In 2018, he used his algorithm to buy a house, which received a lot of attention from the media. Baarslag joined The Young Academy in 2020 and, among other things, was selected by Elsevier in 2020 as one of four academic talents to keep an eye on.

Inauguration

All 62 NAE members are experts from knowledge institutions, companies, and start-ups. They are active in various sectors, including high-tech systems and materials, ICT, healthcare, energy, water management and food. They were nominated through a careful nomination and evaluation process conducted by an independent committee. The NAE will elect 10 new members each year starting in 2024. On Monday, November 13, the festive inauguration of the members will take place at De Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague. The demissionary ministers of Education, Culture and Science and Economic Affairs and Climate will be present.