Dr. Leen Van Wijngaarden

Biography

Leen van Wijngaarden is an Emeritus Professor of Fluid Mechanics at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands. He received his Engineering Degree from Technical University of Delft in 1956 and his Ph.D. in 1962. He has made significant contributions to fluid mechanics, particularly in multiphase flow, acoustics, and gravity waves. After serving in the Royal Dutch Air Force, he took up a position at the Netherlands Ship Model Basin (MARIN) where he led the Hydromechanics Division. In 1965, he became a part-time Professor at the University of Twente, transitioning to a full-time position in 1966. He founded the Department of Applied Physics and has supervised 25 Ph.D. students throughout his career. Van Wijngaarden was instrumental in organizing Dutch fluid dynamics research and has served in various capacities internationally, including as President of IUTAM from 1992 to 1996. He has been honored with numerous accolades, including being knighted by the Dutch Queen in 1995 and elected to the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1988. Although retired in 1997, he continues his scientific activities at the University of Twente.

Research Interests