News

The Faculty of Science and Engineering has appointed Wolfgang Giernalczyk, as Department Head and Programme Director of UCM.

Computers are already capable of making independent decisions in familiar situations. But can they also apply knowledge to new facts? Mark Winands, the new professor of Machine Reasoning at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, develops computer programs that behave as rational agents.

"In order to get a good idea, you will have to hear a lot of good ideas." The words of Netherlands Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf speaking at the end of his working visit to Maastricht on 23 May. Professor Dijkgraaf visited Vista College, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Maastricht University, where he saw many good ideas and innovations.

If we were to replace plastic with paper or glass, would the environment benefit? Surprisingly, no, says professor of Circular Plastics Kim Ragaert. She is calling for an alternative approach aimed at increasing awareness of and knowledge about recycling.

The Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen recently turned five, which called for a celebration. A double commemoration in fact, since not only was it the campus’ fifth anniversary, the AI-hub Brightlands also celebrated its official opening.

Gerard van Rooij, professor of Plasma Chemistry, was the first PhD candidate of Ron Heeren, university professor and director of the M4I institute. Together they reflect on a pioneering period in which they took the first tentative steps in the development of imaging mass spectrometry.

Eighty years ago, DSM opened its central laboratory for fundamental research in Geleen. Now the old lab is part of the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. This coming fall, the Festival Feel the Chemistry will look back on eighty years of innovation and will also look ahead to the future. Maastricht University is one of the founders of the campus and is closely involved in the developments. It’s at the heart of the campus, as is the Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials.

The north tower of the Faculty of Science and Engineering building was finished on 29 June and is open to receive its students and staff.