Royal Decorations for professor Frances Brazier and Sabine Roeser
Professor Frances Brazier
Professor Frances Brazier, Professor of Systems Science in the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), has been appointed Knight of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands in Nieuwkoop. This is in recognition of her outstanding academic career and her commitment to the emancipation of women in computer science and engineering.
Professor Brazier is a pioneer in artificial intelligence. She has been at the forefront of research into software agents: pieces of software that can make decisions independently, for use in the development of large-scale internet applications. Automated auction systems for electricity markets and applications that facilitate the sharing of renewable solar and wind energy in local energy communities, are among the applications of the systems she has worked on. More recently, she has focused on how people can make better use of technological systems. For example, by giving them more responsibility for the systems that affect their lives, such as their home environment or energy supply.
Brazier is a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment in computing and interior design. She does this in her formal roles as chair of the National Network of Women Professors (LNVH) and chair of Delft Women In Science (DEWIS), but also by acting as a role model, coach and mentor to a large number of women scientists in engineering.
Professor Brazier studied Mathematics, Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology at the VU Amsterdam, where she graduated in 1983. She obtained her PhD in 1991 with a thesis entitled ‘Design and evaluation of a user interface for information retrieval’. She stayed on at the VU, where she was appointed Professor of Intelligent Interactive Distributed Systems in the year 2000. In 2009 she came to TU Delft, where she holds the chair of Engineering Systems Foundations.
Professor Sabine Roeser
Professor Sabine Roeser, Professor of Values, Technology and Innovation at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM), has been appointed Knight of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands in Voorschoten for her scientific and public work in the field of ethics.
Professor Roeser’s research focuses on risk, intuition, emotion and art. Her work can shed light on hotly debated issues such as nuclear energy, climate change and public health. She is known worldwide as a researcher who uses ethics to show that emotions about technological and other risks are not irrational. They are often based on rational and correct considerations and should have a place in the debate. The impact of her work is not only evident in her many scientific achievements, but also in the many roles she has played in society. She has been and still is a member of several advisory boards, such as the Health Council’s Advisory Group, the Advisory Committee on Nuclear Energy of the Council for Environment and Infrastructure, and a member of the Advisory Board of COVRA/OPERA.
Sabine Roeser has also made an important contribution to integrity within TU Delft. In 2018, she took the lead in designing a new integrity policy for the university as Integrity Officer and chair of the Integrity Board. Sabine Roeser is also involved in the career policy for young scientists and is committed to promoting more women in science. With her boundless dedication and energy, she is an inspiring leader and role model for many.
Sabine Roeser graduated from the Maastricht Institute of Arts and subsequently in philosophy (cum laude) and political science from the University of Amsterdam (UVA). She obtained her PhD from the UVA with her thesis ‘Ethical intuitions and emotions: a Philosophical Study’.
