Dr Fred Beekman graduated with a MSc degree in geophysics from the University of Utrecht and received his PhD degree from VU University Amsterdam (VUA) with a thesis on numerical modelling of thick-skinned compressional intraplate deformation. After a post-doctoral research position at IFPen in France, he started working in 1996 in the Tectonics group at the VUA, first as post-doctoral researcher and later as associate researcher. From 2012 onward he worked as assistant professor in the Tectonics group at Utrecht University (UU).

Fred’s research expertise and interests include the characterisation and thermo-tectonic modelling of sedimentary basins systems, the exploration of geo-energy resources, and the integration of analogue and numerical modelling methods. The focus of his current research is the exploration and quantification of the geo-energy resource potential of sedimentary basins, with applications in the fields of geothermal energy and hydrocarbon exploitation. He has been instrumental in establishing research and facilities in the tectonic deformation modelling laboratory at VUA and UU.

Fred was involved as PI and researcher in multiple international research projects, has (co-)authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and has (co-)supervised 14 PhD and ~100 MSc and BSc research projects. He is professional member of the AGU, EAGE, AAPG, KNGMG, and Associate Editor of the Netherlands Journal of Geosciences.