Keynote speakers

Imagine you are in charge of the scientific research of one of the most famous paintings in the world. For Katrien Keune it is the everyday practice. Professor Keune leads the scientific research of Rembrandts Night Watch under the name ‘Operation Night Watch’.

From the thematic perspective of the Research Day - ‘Lights, camera, research!’ – Keune’s keynote speech aptly sheds light on the shadows of the Dutch master's painting. She shares the challenges the scientists and other specialists face in this immense project that takes years to complete. Keune takes you on the journey that she and her research group are making. How does multidisciplinary collaboration contribute to the work they all do? And what is the role of the research assistant in this endeavour?

What is the role of the research supporter in this venture? Keune takes us on the journey she and her research group go through and tells us about the challenges they face. What is the role of collaboration in the work they are all doing?

The chemistry of art

Katrien Keune is one of the Netherlands' leading researchers at the intersection of art history and the natural sciences. Ever since her PhD research she has been using her chemical expertise to preserve cultural heritage and to enrich and improve art historical interpretation. Her focus is on complex processes in paint. As a professor, Keune hopes to bring the still young field of research into the chemical aspects of paintings and painted objects to maturity, connecting fundamental insights with application-oriented research.

At the SURF Research Day, you can expect an inspiring talk from Vanessa Evers as the closing keynote. Her team is developing social robot technology. She will shine the light on social robotics and the impact it has on people's lives. She will talk about how they design AI-driven robots meant to function in everyday environments and pave the way for more intuitive, human-centric technology.

Professor Vanessa Evers will challenge attendees to imagine a future where robots and humans collaborate seamlessly in everyday environments. Titled "Designing Socially Intelligent Technology", her keynote promises to be a thought-provoking finale to a day devoted to research, innovation, and digital transformation.

Ethical and societal questions

In her keynote, Evers will take the audience inside research projects that explore the role of AI-driven robots in everyday life. She will show how her team develops technologies designed to enhance social interaction — and how these innovations also raise important ethical and societal questions. From intuitive robotic assistants to the broader implications of artificial social agents, Evers will highlight what it means to create technology that is not only smart, but socially aware and responsible.

Beyond the technical, Evers is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in science and technology. She will also share her vision on inclusive leadership in research, and how diverse teams can drive meaningful, socially relevant innovation.