We specialize in stochastic processes, such as queuing systems and their controlled counterparts, Markov decision processes. Additionally, we cover related areas including combinatorics, simulation, machine learning, and statistics. A considerable part of our research is in collaboration with the Stochastics group at CWI.
The research questions we explore in these technical areas are often inspired by practical challenges encountered across various application domains. Thus, we strive to lead in both the development of application domains and solution methods.
Our primary focus is on service-oriented applications, which are distinguished by the influence of customer interactions on the product. The variability in customer demand and preferences introduces randomness as an essential element in the mathematical modeling of services.
A key area of our research is health care, particularly in ambulance planning, nursing homes, and hospital operations. Notable achievements include the planning and dynamic reallocation of ambulances, resulting in significantly improved service levels. Within hospital settings, we specialize in various aspects of patient flow, from appointment scheduling to dynamic bed capacity models. We collaborate with the VU Medical Center through PICA, the joint health care logistics center, in these efforts. Another significant research focus is on long-term care, especially home care and nursing homes.
Next to these more traditional fields, where we often discover innovative solutions, some of our researchers delve into emerging fields created by the current data proliferation. Noteworthy areas include social media, public transportation, and human resource management. Our innovative research includes projects on detecting unexpected behavior on Twitter, the analysis of employee profiles, and identifying changes in group behaviour in public transportation.