From web engineering to water purification: it earned these five a decoration

Four professors and a student pastor. During the traditional honours ceremony before King’s Day, they received royal decorations for their work at or related to TU Delft. Why did they receive this important award?

Karen Aardal is Professor of Optimisation in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. She received her decoration (Knight in the Order of Lion of the Netherlands) for, among other things, her research on optimisation of complex systems, which contributes to the positioning of ambulances and trauma helicopters.

‘A role model for young scientists and water professionals’ is how Mayor Van Zanen (The Hague) described Merle de Kreuk when he presented her with a decoration (Knight in the Order of Lion of the Netherlands). De Kreuk is professor of Water Management at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. Her model is used in wastewater purification systems worldwide.

Geert-Jan Houben received his ribbon (Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau) partly for his major role in web engineering. He is professor of Web Information Systems at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science and played a major role in adapting education during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Professor Patricia Osseweijer (Biotechnology and Society at Faculty of Engineering) received her decoration (Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau) for bringing together social sciences and biotechnology. Osseweijer also leads the Water Mining Consortium, a partnership that ensures people around the world have access to clean water and sanitation.

Finally: not a professor, but very important for many students and staff at TU Delft. Renske Oldenboom received her ribbon (Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau) for her commitment to the welfare of students and staff, as a student pastor and at MoTiv. She recently said goodbye there after almost 30 years of dedication.