Prof. Dr Jan-Willem van de Kuilen | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Munich / Delft University of Technology, Germany

Jan Willem van de Kuilen is a leading professor in Wood Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and part-time at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). His expertise lies in timber engineering, sustainability, and biobased structures, where he has made significant contributions to structural modeling, non-destructive testing, and the development of innovative timber products. He also serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of two leading journals and coordinates global efforts in timber engineering through the World Conference on Timber Engineering. With decades of academic and industry experience, Prof. van de Kuilen continues to advance knowledge and applications in biobased materials for a sustainable future. 🌿📘🔬

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

1. Extensive Academic Contributions: Prof. Jan Willem van de Kuilen is a leading figure in Wood Technology and Biobased Structures with over three decades of professional and academic experience. His influential research spans timber engineering, high-rise structures, cultural heritage assessment, and non-destructive testing of materials.
2. Research Impact: Numerous citations of his research (e.g., “Very tall wooden buildings with cross-laminated timber” with 252 citations) underscore his role in advancing wood science and engineering.
3. International Collaboration: Active in prestigious EU-funded projects like H2020 and FP7, contributing innovative methodologies in structural modeling, adhesives, and timber sustainability.
4. Editorial Leadership: Serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief for Wood Science and Technology and European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, he influences global scholarly directions in wood science.
5. Education and Training Excellence: Renowned for teaching multidisciplinary subjects in English, German, Dutch, and Italian, he ensures the next generation of engineers receives high-quality, diverse education.
6. Innovative Research Topics: Pioneering fields like self-growing structures and modeling anisotropic materials demonstrate cutting-edge ingenuity, a testament to his forward-thinking approach.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. Broader Outreach to Emerging Markets: While Prof. van de Kuilen’s research is well-established in Europe, expanding collaborations with institutions in underrepresented regions (e.g., Africa, South America) can further globalize the impact of his work.
2. Industry Engagement: Increasing partnerships with private-sector companies in timber technology and biobased materials could amplify real-world applications of his research.
3. Public Communication: Simplifying complex research for broader audiences through public talks or accessible publications could enhance public understanding and policy influence in sustainable wood engineering.

EDUCATION

🎓 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – Delft University of Technology, 1991–1999 (Part-Time).
🎓 M.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Delft University of Technology, 1983–1989.
🎓 VWO Secondary Education – Scholengemeenschap Prins Alexanderpolder, 1977–1983.
Prof. van de Kuilen’s academic journey highlights a strong foundation in civil engineering, specializing in wood technology, mechanics, and sustainability. His multidisciplinary education, spanning Dutch, English, German, and Italian, enables him to impact international collaborations and educational programs. 🌍📖🔧

EXPERIENCE

🛠 2009–Present: University Professor, TUM; Co-Editor-in-Chief; and Head of Accredited Test and Certification Body (NANDO 0797).
🛠 2003–2008: Research Director, CNR-Ivalsa, Italy – Expertise in machine strength grading and wooden façade modeling.
🛠 2000–2003: Assistant Professor, TU Delft – Research on biobased structures.
🛠 1991–2000: Research Scientist, TNO Building and Construction Research.
🛠 1989–1991: Research Scientist, TNO Timber Research Institute.
Prof. van de Kuilen has held impactful roles in academia and industry, leading cutting-edge research and innovations in timber engineering. 🏗️📐

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, Italy – Habilitation in Wood Technology, 2017.
🏆 Marie Curie Network Coordination – EU H2020 Projects (Terre, ONEForest).
🏆 Editorial Leadership – Co-Editor-in-Chief of Wood Science and Technology and European Journal of Wood and Wood Products.
🏆 Global Recognition – Leadership roles in the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE).
Prof. van de Kuilen’s awards reflect his global impact on wood technology and sustainable materials research. 🎖️🌐✨

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔍 Timber Engineering and High-Rise Buildings – Innovations in service life modeling and structural performance.
🔍 Biomaterials Modeling – Finite Element Modeling and assessment of anisotropic materials.
🔍 Non-Destructive Testing – Techniques like ultrasound, X-ray, and CT-tomography.
🔍 Sustainable Biobased Products – Development and performance of timber, bamboo, and adhesive systems.
Prof. van de Kuilen focuses on creating sustainable, high-performance solutions for modern construction. 🏗️🌳💡

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

• 🌲 “Very Tall Wooden Buildings with Cross-Laminated Timber”
• 🔍 “A Non-Linear 3D FEM Model to Simulate Timber–Concrete Joints”
• 🏗️ “Load-Carrying Capacity of Timber–Concrete Joints with Dowel-Type Fasteners”
• 🔥 “Self-Extinguishment of Cross-Laminated Timber”
• 🌱 “Growth Reaction Patterns of Douglas-Fir under Acute Drought Stress”
• 🛠️ “Design Rules for Glued-In Rods: European Standards Proposal”
• 📊 “Algorithm for Crack Detection in Timber Beams Using LiDAR Data”
• 📐 “Stiffness of Dowel-Type Fasteners in Timber–Concrete Joints”
• 🌍 “Machine Grading of Italian Structural Timber: Preliminary Results”
• 🔗 “Structural Bonding of Ash: Resistance and Performance in Shearing Tests”

CONCLUSION

Prof. Jan Willem van de Kuilen is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his unparalleled contributions to wood science and biobased engineering. His robust academic and research portfolio, leadership in global projects, and commitment to education mark him as a visionary leader in his field. By focusing on broader outreach and industry collaboration, he could further strengthen his legacy and elevate his field’s global impact.