The appointment as director of CWI is for a period of five years, with the possibility of a reappointment for the same period.
"Vanessa Evers is nationally and internationally recognized for her expertise. She is an excellent scientist and an experienced director. I am very pleased with her arrival at CWI. With her inspiring leadership and broad network, she will help sustain the high-quality research taking place at the institute, both now and in the future," said Marcel Levi, president of the Foundation Board of NWO-I.
Vanessa Evers on her new role: "I am truly hounored to lead CWI, an institute with a rich history of scientific contributions in mathematics and computer science. While many know it as the birthplace of Python, CWI has played a key role in innovations such as developing the first computers in the Netherlands and advancing cryptography by factoring large numbers.
During my time here, I hope to highlight CWI’s research and its role in tackling major challenges like climate change, inequality, cybersecurity, and responsible AI. Above all, I look forward to supporting fundamental research that drives innovations to improve lives and shape a better future."
Social robots and AI
Vanessa Evers is a Full Professor and Chair of Human Media Interaction at the University of Twente’s Computer Science department, a role she will continue alongside her position as CWI Director. She is also the founder and scientific co-director of the university’s DesignLab. In addition, she serves on the Supervisory Board of Radboud University and is a visiting professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Previously, she was the founding director of NTU’s Institute for Science and Technology for Humanity.
A leading figure in human-computer interaction, she has organized and contributed to major conferences such as ACM SIGCHI, ACM/IEEE HRI, and CSCW. She also serves as an editor for journals including the International Journal of Social Robotics and Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. Her work has been presented at high-profile events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the European Heads of State Digital Summit, and the ASEAN Leadership Conference.
Her research spans virtual reality, social robots, and mobile technologies, with a strong emphasis on how these innovations can enhance social interaction. Evers is also an active contributor to teaching, mentoring, and advisory boards in the field of human-computer interaction. Her research spans AI, robotics and interactive systems, with a strong emphasis on how these innovations can enhance people’s lives.
Diversity, inclusion, and responsible tech
Beyond her scientific work, Vanessa Evers has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology and academia. She actively promotes greater representation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Additionally, she emphasizes the ethical implications of technological advancements, advocating for socially responsible innovations that benefit all users.
Evers also supports initiatives that foster collaboration between academia, industry, and society to ensure that technological progress aligns with broader societal needs and values.
