Maarten started his career in 1983 at UvA and has since touched the hearts and minds of numerous of students. In the early 90’s, The Netherlands was a pioneer in teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI). Maarten played a key role in defining and teaching of the curricula of both the bachelor’s and master’s programmes in AI. 

As a psychologist by training, he witnessed and co-shaped the first wave of artificial intelligence, strengthening his life-long interest in both human and artificial learning and the relationship between these two.

Maarten has played a major role in the development of the national artificial intelligence agenda in the Netherlands, and is a founding father of BNAIC, the Belgium/Dutch conference in AI. He was an active researcher until the very end. His last paper appeared in 2018 in the proceedings of the conference he himself initiated: BNAIC 2018. 

Maarten was known for being a very conscientious person. He took a genuine interest in other people and always carefully probed his students and colleagues alike to elicit their views and to engage in meaningful conversation.

But above all, Maarten was a fantastic person and colleague to have around. We will remember Maarten as a compassionate friend who was always helpful to others. He will be dearly missed.

Condolence register

In room C3.154D there is a condolence register where you can leave a personal message for his family.

Maarten's funeral will take place on Thursday 4 July  at 13:30 at Zorgvlied, Amsteldijk 273 Amsterdam.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and friends.