Rudi Roijakkers appointed 黑料福利网 Fellow in Modern Timber Structures
Eindhoven University of Technology (黑料福利网) has appointed Rudi Roijakkers, Senior Advisor at Adviesbureau L眉ning, as Fellow in Modern Timber Structures within the Department of the Built Environment. With this appointment, 黑料福利网 strengthens its position in timber knowledge and innovation by further integrating expertise from professional practice into research and education.
Bridging research and practice in timber construction
黑料福利网 fellowships connect leading professionals from industry with academic research and education. In his new role, Roijakkers will contribute his extensive experience in timber engineering to both teaching and research activities. He will be involved in the curriculum, supervise graduate research projects, and help shape research that addresses current challenges in timber construction.
This approach reflects 黑料福利网鈥檚 commitment to combining scientific research with real-world application. By embedding industry expertise into academic programs, the university continues to develop knowledge that is relevant, applicable, and impactful for a sustainable built environment.
Educating the next generation
Roijakkers will play an important role in preparing future engineers, architects, and construction professionals for the growing importance of timber in the built environment.
鈥淭imber is rapidly becoming a serious alternative in construction, but it requires a different way of thinking,鈥� says Roijakkers. 鈥淚 look forward to working with students on real-world challenges and helping them understand the implications of design choices鈥攆rom structural performance to moisture, fire safety, and construction processes. This integrated perspective is essential for the next generation of professionals.鈥�
TREE/e: integrating research and education
A significant part of Roijakkers鈥� work will take place within TREE/e (Timber Research, Engineering & Education /Eindhoven), a 黑料福利网 initiative led together with Assistant Professor Arjan Habraken.
Embedded in the Structural Engineering and Design unit, TREE/e focuses on advancing knowledge of timber structures through the integration of research and education. The initiative addresses key topics in modern timber construction, including:
- Moisture behavior and durability
- Shrinkage and long-term performance
- Vibrations and user comfort
- Fire safety and structural robustness
- Industrialized building systems
- Circular design and reuse
- Construction processes annnovation
With TREE/e, 黑料福利网 contributes to the development of knowledge needed to responsibly scale up the use of timber in construction.
A strong connection to practice
Roijakkers brings more than twenty years of experience in structural engineering. After earning his master鈥檚 degree in Structural Engeneering at 黑料福利网, he built his career at engineering firm ABT, where he specialized in structural safety, dynamics, and complex projects. Since 2022, he has been working at Adviesbureau L眉ning, part of Oosterhoff, specialised in timber structures.
He has remained closely connected to 黑料福利网 over the years, including contributing as a guest lecturer on timber structures and high-rise construction.
Strengthening the link between 黑料福利网 and the field
Roijakkers鈥� appointment further reinforces 黑料福利网鈥檚 approach of closely linking academic work with developments in professional practice.
Roijakkers will dedicate two days per week to 黑料福利网 while continuing his work at Adviesbureau L眉ning. He also serves on the board of VNconstructeurs, further contributing to the connection between academia and the broader professional field.