Impressive research in Dutch Electrical Engineering

In the years 1999-2004 the three universities spent an estimated 300 million euros on research in Electrical Engineering. In addition to 339 doctoral dissertations, scientists in Delft, Eindhoven, and Twente also published 2014 publications in international scientific journals.

The committee judged the quality of this research to be very good (on average a 3.8 out of 5). The best work is up to the highest international standards. Dutch scientific research in Electrical Engineering has made a substantial contribution to the development of new concepts, methodology, and applications. The total research output has increased with 35% during the period under evaluation. Although there has been an increase in the number of temporary positions for junior researchers, there are fewer permanent, senior-staff positions.

The programs under evaluation focus on micro-electronics (computer chips and electric systems), sensors, electricity supply, telecommunication, signal-processing, and operating systems. These are areas that are often not familiar to the larger public, because the technology is integrated inconspicuously in products such as telephones, laptops, cars, and electric systems.

The committee consisted of prof.dr. Piet Demeester, MSc (Belgium), prof.dr. Klaus Fröhlich (Germany), prof.dr.techn. Josef Nossek (Germany), dr. Carel van der Poel, MSc (Philips), prof.dr. Willy Sansen (Belgium), prof.dr. Kristian Stubkjaer (Denmark), Eric van Utteren, MA (PROGRESS), and was chaired by prof.dr. Joos Vandewalle, MSc (Belgium). The committee assessed the quality, productivity, relevance, and future prospects of the 37 research programs. The research evaluation was commissioned by the Technical University Delft, the Technical University Eindhoven, and the University of Twente and was executed under the supervision of the independent foundation Quality Assurance Netherlands Universities (QANU). The report can be downloaded from the QANU website (www.qanu.nl/comasy/uploadedfiles/report_electrical_engineering.pdf).