Members of the EAAS Consortium
​
​Main Principal Investigator​
Jácome Armas is an associate professor and theoretical physicist at the University of Amsterdam and also affiliated with the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. His research spans string theory, quantum gravity, black holes, and the physics of complex systems. He coordinates the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena, connecting scientists across disciplines, and is the founder of Science & Cocktails. He co-leads EAAS together with Mark Golden.
Jácome (Jay) Armas
(University of Amsterdam)
Co-Principal Investigators
Mark is a professor of physics at the University of Amsterdam. His work explores the strange and beautiful world of quantum materials. He is interested in superconductivity, topological systems, and condensed matter physics, among many things! He co-leads EAAS together with Jay Armas.
(University of Amsterdam)
Ben is an associate professor at the University of Amsterdam (ITF / GRAPPA). His research digs into the most extreme corners of the universe — string theory, quantum gravity, black holes, and the early cosmos.
Ben Freivogel
(University of Amsterdam)
Jo is a professor of mathematics at the University of Amsterdam. Her research explores graph polynomials and topological graph theory. Originally from Alaska, she combines her love for art and mathematics in a creative approach to problem-solving.
(University of Amsterdam)
Erik is a theoretical physicist and professor at the University of Amsterdam, known for his work on string theory, black holes, and cosmology. In 2009, he proposed that gravity is not a fundamental force but an emergent phenomenon arising from the thermodynamic behavior of information. ​
Erik Verlinde
(University of Amsterdam)
Christian is an associate professor of mathematics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is also a visiting professor at the University of Oxford. He studies the dynamics of complex networks, from coupled oscillators to adaptive systems.
Christian Back
(Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Bob is a professor of mathematics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and co-director of the Amsterdam Center for Dynamics and Computation. He studies networks, synchronization, and the twists and turns of dynamical systems, from bifurcations to Hamiltonian mechanics.
Bob Rink
(Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Frank is a professor at the University of Amsterdam and senior methodologist at Statistics Netherlands (CBS). He works at the intersection of complexity and official statistics, drawing on a background in physics, astronomy, and research across Europe and the UK.
(UvA & CBS)
Frank is a professor of probability at TU Delft. His research explores the behavior of complex stochastic systems, from non-equilibrium steady states to particle fluctuations, uncovering the surprising patterns hidden in randomness.
Frank Redig
(TU Delft)
Mark is a professor of mathematics at TU Eindhoven. His research interest focuses on differential equations and their applications to real-world systems. His work connects fundamental math to applications in biology, geology, chemistry, and beyond, uncovering patterns in everything from fluids to solids.
(TU Eindhoven)
Alexander is a professor of applied physics and nanomaterials, and director of Kyiv Academic University. He studies superconductors and quantum materials, exploring their electronic properties and how they can power future quantum technologies.
Alexander Kordyuk
(Kyiv Academic University)
Ema is an assistant professor and theoretical cosmologist at the University of Groningen. She uses gravitational waves to uncover the secrets of the early universe, combining insights from particle physics and gravity to explore how the cosmos began.
(University of Groningen)
Daan is an associate professor of cosmology at the University of Groningen. He studies the early universe through cosmic microwave background, gravitational waves, and 21 cm cosmology. In recent years, Daan has been exploring AI to uncover new physics hidden in cosmological data.
Daan Meerburg
(University of Groningen)
Diderik is a professor in theoretical cosmology at the University of Groningen His work spans inflationary models, their observational signatures, and the intriguing “double copy” framework connecting gravity and field theory.
(University of Groningen)
Ana is a professor of particle astrophysics and quantum field theory at Leiden University. She studies the early universe, supergravity, black holes, and solitons, and was an early pioneer in applying string theory to cosmology.
Ana Achúcarro
(Leiden University)
Francesca is an assistant professor of mathematics at Leiden University, working on noncommutative geometry and its connections to theoretical physics. Passionate about sharing the beauty of mathematics, she has been recognized with both Veni and Vidi grants from NWO.
(Leiden University)
Martin is a professor in physics at Leiden University exploring how simple building blocks can create complex 3D structures. His research paves the way for the use of 'machine materials' in, for example, prostheses and wearable technology.
Martin van Hecke
(Leiden University & AMOLF)
Koenraad is a professor in theoretical physics at Leiden University. He studies string theory and its connections to quantum matter, hydrodynamics, models of particle physics and cosmology.
(Leiden University)
Annegret is an associate professor of mathematics at Radboud University Nijmegen. She studies the large-scale geometry and dynamics of the universe, using tools from differential and metric geometry and hyperbolic PDEs.
Annegret Burtscher
(Radboud University Nijmegen)
Renate is a professor of theoretical physics at Radboud University Nijmegen and a visiting chair at Canada’s Perimeter Institute. She develops quantum gravity models using Causal Dynamical Triangulations, studying how spacetime emerges from quantum laws and revealing its surprising behavior at the smallest scales.
(Radboud University Nijmegen)
Frank is an associate professor of theoretical high-energy physics at Radboud University Nijmegen. His research focuses on quantum gravity, exploring how the fundamental structure of spacetime influences cosmology, black holes, and the very laws of physics.
Frank Saueressig
(Radboud University Nijmegen)
Walter is a full professor of mathematics at Radboud University Nijmegen, where he holds the chair of Noncommutative Geometry. His research explores the deep connections between noncommutative geometry and the foundations of particle physics.
(Radboud University Nijmegen)
Elisa is an associate professor studying dark energy through gravitational lensing and galaxy alignments. She works on the Kilo-Degree Survey, Euclid, and the Vera Rubin Observatory’s LSST, where she is Deputy Analysis Coordinator for cosmology.
Elisa Chisari
(Utrecht University)
Marjolein is a professor of physics at Utrecht University studying soft condensed matter, colloids, and self-assembly. She received the 2025 Physica Prize, an ERC Advanced Grant, and is a KNAW member.
(Urecht University)
Wilke is an assistant professor in theoretical physics at Utrecht University. His research interests include quark-gluon plasma, neutron stars, and emergent geometry, among other things.
Wike van der Schee
(Utrecht University)
Ralph is a professor at Utrecht University and head of the Freudenthal Institute. He studies scientific literacy, teacher development, and the impact of generative AI on learning. A physicist and musician, he also performs professionally. His role and interest is in education, by coordinating the Personal Assistant of the Teacher (PAL) program in Utrecht.
(Urecht University)
Hanny is a project manager for ICLOON at Leiden University. Her role and interest is in education, by coordinating the Personal Assistant of the Teacher (PAL) program in Leiden.
Hanny Gijsman
(Leiden University)
Cooperation Partners
Sanne is part of the program direction of Stichting Paradiso Amsterdam and the director of the Summer Dance Forever festival. Her role and interest is in organizing large scale cultural and scientific events.
(Paradiso)
Konstantinos is an associate professor at the University of Pretoria, specializing in string theory and high-energy physics. He is also a founding member of the Science & Cocktails Foundation in Copenhagen.
Konstantinos Zoubos
(University of Pretoria)
Han is a professor in pathology at Radboud University specializing in cancer diagnostics and metastasis. Former Rector Magnificus, he has advanced tumor pathology research and is internationally recognized as a member of the Leopoldina and Academia Europaea. Han is also the current interim director of the InScience Festival.
(Radboud University & Stichting InScience)
Jim is editor-in-chief of the Dutch edition of New Scientist, where he connects science with media and culture. He curates events like the Gala van de Wetenschap and writes for Het Parool, bridging science and the public through journalism and storytelling.
Jim Jansen
(New Scientist NL)
Clara studied art history and theory at the University of Amsterdam and the Kunsthochschule Kassel. She has worked in art education and programming and is currently a location manager and year coordinator at the IMC Weekendschool.
(IMC Weekendschool)