Clara Stegehuis (University of Twente)

Improving the performance and resilience of 5G wireless networks

In wireless networks, users receive data on their phones, computers or other devices from base stations. Modern 5G networks allow for multi-connectivity, where users in the network can connect to multiple base stations at the same time. As the data then flows through multiple paths, a user can enjoy higher data rates and a higher reliability. These properties are essential for emerging applications such as augmented-reality or surgery robots. In this talk, we will see that while simple forms of multi-connectivity improve resilience and are beneficial from the perspective of a single user, they decrease the performance of the entire network. We then investigate smart strategies to multiconnect users that improve the performance of the entire network.

Sandjai Bhulai (Free University Amsterdam)

Mathematics in healthcare … it matters!

The relevance of mathematics in healthcare settings cannot be overemphasized. It has been successfully used worldwide to provide a wide range of methodologies that can help healthcare professionals significantly improve their operations. At the same time, many of the traditional problems reappear with higher complexity due to a more personalized approach due to the availability of data and IT systems. This talk will illustrate the power of mathematics in healthcare systems by highlighting some key examples. Mathematics can help improve healthcare services while balancing resources, quality, and costs. It matters!

John Poppelaars (Doing the Math)

Mathematics for a Better World

Applying mathematics to support big hairy business decisions can be challenging but can be very effective. During the lecture John will use examples from his work as a consultant and illustrate how mathematics was put to work, the challenges encountered and how to resolve those. Can mathematics solve the problem of polluting sewers, improve the safety of gas networks, speed up the energy transition and help reduce our carbon footprint?

About John Poppelaars
John Poppelaars is Founder of Doing the Math, a company focussed on supporting organisations in becoming more sustainable by adopting a data & analytics driven way of decision making. In this role John acts as senior advisor & analytics expert.

John is a passionate proponent of the use of analytics as a key business enabler. Throughout his career, he has applied the business maxim of ‘improving decision-making’ to numerous projects across a myriad of industries and supported his clients to optimise their businesses with the best suitable analytics techniques. John was awarded the 2012 Franz Edelman Award for this work on the development and enhancement of TNT Express’ analytical capabilities which resulted in substantial savings.

Prior to founding his own company, John was employed at BearingPoint and ORTEC. John earned a Master’s degree in Econometrics (1990) from the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands and is INFORMS Certified Analytics Professional.