Valedictory lecture Prof. ir. Bert Snijder: reflecting on steel structures and beyond
On April 30, 2026, Prof. ir. Bert Snijder delivered his valedictory lecture, 鈥淪teel structures: the final annual review,鈥� bringing to a close a remarkable 33-year career at the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology.
In his lecture, Snijder offered a forward-looking reflection on the development of steel structures, using the format of an 鈥渁nnual review鈥� to share insights on education, research, and the role of engineering in society. Rather than looking back only at past achievements, he focused on what lies ahead, highlighting challenges such as circular construction, material reuse, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in structural engineering.
Throughout his career, Snijder has been known for bridging theory and practice. He consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration between architects and structural engineers, as well as the need to prepare students for working across disciplines and on real-world challenges.
He also reflected on how the academic landscape has changed over the decades鈥攆rom the internationalization of education to the increasing emphasis on societal impact. In his view, high-quality education should not only transfer knowledge but also inspire students and connect closely with research and practice.
Beyond his work in teaching and research, Snijder has made significant contributions to the field and the department. He played an active role in developing European standards for steel structures, built strong partnerships with industry, and guided generations of students and researchers.
The Department of the Built Environment is deeply grateful to Bert Snijder for his dedication, leadership, and lasting impact. His work has helped shape both the department and the wider field of structural engineering.
We thank him for his many contributions and for the energy, insight, and commitment he brought to our community.
This news item was developed with the support of AI and edited by a communication advisor.
Lecture booklet
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