Hanneke van der Klis - Deltares

Hanneke van der Klis

My name is Hanneke van der Klis. I graduated in Applied Mathematics, specialising in computational science, back in 1997. After my PhD, where I applied my knowledge of mathematics to river science, I started working at one of the forerunners of Deltares: WL | Delft Hydraulics. As a knowledge institute, we safeguard knowledge in the Netherlands about water and the subsurface. And in water management, numerical and data-driven models, i.e. mathematics, form an indispensable basis.

I have had many roles at Deltares, from subject matter expert to project leader and manager. While my own mathematical expertise has been watered down, my enthusiasm for the profession remains undiminished. Guaranteeing the quality of life in a delta we live in without mathematics is actually unthinkable.

Deltares

Deltares is an independent, not-for-profit knowledge institute for applied research. By statute, we are a part of the vital public infrastructure of the State of the Netherlands. We believe in the power of in-depth knowledge, innovative solutions, and software to ensure the world’s delta regions remain habitable. Our work demands versatility, from hands-on fieldwork to the use of our unique research facilities such as the Deltares Delta Flume and the GeoCentrifuge. 

At the heart of our mission, ‘Enabling Delta Life’, is the water and soil system. We focus on five key areas, or ‘moonshots’, where our expertise makes a significant impact: habitable deltas, flood protection, healthy water systems, sustainable energy, and resilient infrastructure. 

Our 900 highly qualified colleagues are curious and driven. We work in co-creation with universities, research institutes, businesses, NGOs, and governments worldwide. 

We are transparent about our methods and results, and who we work with. Based on our knowledge, we serve as the eyes, ears, and sometimes the voice of the soil and water system. Our motto, ‘dare to share’, reflects our commitment to openly share our knowledge with the world. Together, we realise Deltares’ mission of ‘Enabling Delta Life’. 

We're proud to announce that Deltares is sponsoring the Career Day! You can find more about them here.