The SNE group has grown so fast in the past few years that the group meetings became too large. After the group’s division, meetings run efficiently and the smaller groups are again manageable. This way they can grow further in a healthy way. Vacancies are open at all three groups.

The SNE group is known for its fundamental problem-driven research on computer and network systems. These systems are growing strongly in size and complexity. Economy and society are increasingly dependent on these systems although trust is fading. Enough reason to expand the research. By dividing the group, the researchers can focus better on their own field of research and meetings can focus on specific themes.

Independent future

Another reason for the division is the upcoming retirement of Cees de Laat, former chair of the entire SNE group. De Laat: ‘It is good to prepare the groups for an autonomous existence. But I am far from gone yet! I supervise more PhD students than ever before, half of whom will be ready after my retirement.

SNE is divided in three new groups CCI, MNS and PCS. The Complex Cyber Infrastructure (CCI) group, led by Professor Cees de Laat, focuses on sharing data in a trustable and transparent way within the complex cyber infrastructure. The MultiScale Networked Systems (MNS) group, led by Associate Professor Paola Grosso, focuses on how multi-scale systems and the networks connecting these systems can work together as efficiently as possible. The Parallel Computing Systems (PCS) group, led by Associate Professor Andy Pimentel, focuses on system optimization of multi-core and multi-processor computer systems. A fourth group will be added, the Security By Design (SBD) group, led by Francesco Regazzoni.

Unique specializations

The researchers of the former SNE group play a prominent role within their field on a national and international level and have a strong funding track record. They collaborate with numerous partners from science, industry and government. The new research groups CCI, MNS, PCS and SBD will further develop this. All have a specialization that makes them unique in The Netherlands and beyond.