Dr G. Koekoek

Associate professor of physics at the research group Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics (GFWP). Gideon spends equal time between creating and teaching courses in theoretical physics at the Maastricht Science Programme, research in gravitational waves and general relativity, and coordinating  regional, national, and international projects for public, educational, and political outreach of physics, and gravitational wave science, in particular with the Einstein Telescope as one prime example. Gideon is a frequently asked presenter on science, research, and education.

Education

2006: MSc degree in theoretical physics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Nikhef; supervision: prof.dr. Jan Smit (Universiteit van Amsterdam). Cum Laude distinction;
2011: PhD in Theoretical Physics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Nikhef; supervision: prof.dr. Jo van den Brand (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Nikhef) and prof.dr. Jan-Willem van Holten (Leiden University, Nikhef);
2014: MSc degree in Physics Education, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; supervision: dr. Ed van den Berg.
 

Professional experience and projects

2009-2017: Lecturer of physics, Leiden University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam;
2012-2017: Teacher of secondary education, head of physics department in secondary education;
2014-2016: Teacher trainer, Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University;
2017-current: Assistant/Associate Professor of Physics, Maastricht University;
2020-current: Board member and WP leader of the Dutch Black Hole Consortium;
2020-current: Member of the Astroparticle Physics committee of the Royal Netherlands Physics Society;
2021-current: Member of Einstein Telescope Collaboration;
2023-current: Scientific Lead of the Einstein Telescope Education Centre;
2023-current: Board member of the Royal Netherlands Physics Society;
2025-current: Lead of the Maastricht Gravitational Inspiration Curriculum (MaGIC).