Career
I was born in Utrecht (1959) and studied physics at Utrecht University (1986, cum laude). In 1990 I received my PhD degree from Utrecht University, on research in image processing and human visual motion perception. Subsequently I held positions at New York University (Psychology), Utrecht University (Physics) and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research).
At TNO Human Factors I was group leader Ergonomics (1994), group leader Steering & Control Tasks (1998) and head of the Department of Information Processing (1999). During that time I was in charge of many contract research programs in the areas of virtual reality, mediated communication and man-machine interfaces.
Director at TNO
As a director of the TNO business centre Multimedia and Telecommunications (2002-2003) I was responsible for the development of public-private research programs and contract research in the area of ICT. Next, I became the director of TNO Information Services and responsible for the development and introduction of the organization-wide information and knowledge management system of TNO. And in 2005 I was appointed Director Research at TNO Defense, Security & Safety with full responsibility for the (60M€) research portfolio.
My current position is Managing Director of TNO Technical Sciences, including 1500 researchers in the fields of mechanics and materials, physics and electronics, chemistry and energetics, civil engineering, and information & communication technology.
As a professor (since 2003) I supervise PhD-research in the areas of multisensory perception, navigation and interaction. I have published over 70 scientific papers and over 30 TNO-reports on contract research.
Bron: website Peter Werkhoven