During the 113th Dies Natalis of Erasmus University Rotterdam on Monday 9 November, Professor David Abbink and Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite will receive an honorary doctorate. With this recognition, the university underlines their commitment to human-centred technological innovation and sustainable, resilient health systems, in close connection with society and practice.
Human-centered technological innovation: honorary doctorate for David Abbink
David Abbink, professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at TU Delft, focuses on the collaboration between humans and technology, and on the development of intelligent systems that support people without taking over their autonomy. The honorary doctorate is awarded to him through his honorary promotor Professor Stefan Sleijfer, Erasmus MC.
Abbink conducts pioneering research into tactile technology, shared control between humans and technology and human-centered artificial intelligence. In doing so, he contributes to safe, inclusive and responsible innovation in mobility, healthcare and industry, among others. The central question is always how technology can help without sidelining people.
An important part of his work is 'meaningful human control': technology is not conceived for people, but together with the professionals who work with it on a daily basis. Within Convergence, Abbink collaborates with TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Erasmus MC, with nurses and other healthcare professionals closely involved in the development of new technological applications.
Resilient health systems: honorary doctorate for Jeffrey Braithwaite
Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite is affiliated with the Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, at Macquarie University in Australia. He is internationally regarded as one of the most influential scientists in the field of healthcare, quality of care and implementation science. During the Dies Natalis, he will receive an honorary doctorate from Erasmus University Rotterdam, from his honorary promotor Maarten IJzerman on behalf of Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM).
Braithwaite focuses his research on improving health systems. He studies, among other things, sustainable and future-proof care, quality and safety of care and learning health systems. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers and patients plays a central role in this. He also investigates the relationship between climate change and healthcare and what this requires of healthcare systems worldwide.
His expertise is used internationally by governments, institutions and international organizations. This means that his influence extends far beyond the academic world. ESHPM's mission, 'Sustainable healthcare for all', is clearly reflected in its work: better and more resilient healthcare systems, accessible to all.
Braithwaite's research contributes to the development of health systems that are not only efficient, but also flexible, equitable and future-proof. His vision on collaboration, innovation and societal impact is closely related to the theme of this dies natalis: how science can contribute to understanding change and shaping a resilient future.
Honorary doctorates during the Dies Natalis
Erasmus University Rotterdam annually awards honorary doctorates to persons with exceptional merits within the scientific fields practiced at the university.
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Would you like to attend the presentation of the honorary doctorates? Come to the Dies Natalis on Monday 9 November. Check out the program and sign up.
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