Dr. Frits Spieksma

Professor

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Biography

Frits Spieksma is a Full Professor and Chair of Combinatorial Optimization in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His key field of expertise is operations research, particularly in combinatorial optimization problems and their applications. He combines a strong interest in theoretical results with a desire to impact practice, focusing on scheduling, routing, and clustering problems. Notably, he has a keen interest in sports scheduling and also works on applications of combinatorial optimization in kidney exchange models and combinatorial auctions. His research addresses logistic challenges and the optimization of inland waterway transport. Frits Spieksma has a profound interest in the intersection of computer science, discrete mathematics, applied economics, and management science within the context of combinatorial optimization. With the growing presence of big data, understanding the characteristics of contemporary optimization problems is vital for developing techniques to solve future combinatorial challenges. Frits completed his MSc in Econometrics at the University of Groningen in 1987 and obtained his PhD in Operations Research from Maastricht University in 1992. He has held academic positions at University of British Columbia and Maastricht University before taking a professorship at KU Leuven in 2000. He joined TU/e in 2018 and has supervised over 15 PhD students, contributing significantly to academia.

Research Interests

Experience

Full Professor

— Present

Eindhoven University of Technology • Eindhoven

Chair in Combinatorial Optimization, teaching and conducting research in operations research and its applications.

Full Professor

— Present

KU Leuven • Leuven

Conducted research and taught courses in Operations Research and related fields.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Maastricht University • Maastricht

Taught and researched in Operations Research before being promoted to Associate Professor.

Courses

Decision theory

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:65
Reading
Required:65
Writing
Required:65
Speaking
Required:65
Overall
Required:70
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants
Application Checklist
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
  • Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Two letters of reference
  • Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
  • Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)
Specialization Notes

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.