Danique de Moor was recently awarded a PhD degree with honours for her research into complex optimisation techniques at UvA Economics and Business (EB). This is a feat that only 3% of women achieve. She is now working on the other side of the ocean, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her work there centres on researching how she can use her theory to make the world a better place.

Non-convex optimisation problems

During her doctoral research, De Moor immersed herself in the world of non-convex optimisation problems. These are challenges where you try to find the lowest point, such as the lowest costs. This is not always easy because there are several “deep valleys” you can explore. Suppose a logistics company is looking for the cheapest way to transport products. The most obvious route may seem the best, but sometimes there are hidden routes that are even more cost-effective. “It's like hovering above a mountain range and looking for the lowest point, not just in one valley, but across the whole range”, she explains.

This sounds deeply theoretical, but the applications are extremely practical. During her PhD, for example, De Moor conducted research on optimising food distribution for the World Food Programme. 'The goal was to feed as many people as possible at the lowest possible cost, even when food prices fluctuated”, she elaborates. She also worked on solutions for flood protection in the Netherlands. Her technique helped determine how much and when dikes needed to be raised to prevent flooding. 'The technique lets you react flexibly when responding to changing conditions', she adds.

Focus on practical applications

De Moor is enthusiastic about the support and opportunities she received during her PhD research at UvA EB. ‘The working atmosphere was very pleasant, and I felt tremendously supported by my supervisor and colleagues,’ she comments. She emphasises how important a good working environment is for PhD researchers, especially since PhD research requires a high degree of independence. ‘At UvA EB, I had full control over the direction of my research, but at the same time support was always available when needed. That balance was ideal for me.’

She also sees UvA EB as a university that is strongly committed to the practical applicability of research. The ‘Analytics for a Better World initiative’, which was set up by her supervisor in collaboration with MIT, is a good example of this. The programme gives students the opportunity of using their data analysis skills to achieve a meaningful social impact. They work on real projects with NGOs and other organisations, using data to find solutions to problems such as poverty, climate change and healthcare. ‘Through this initiative, UvA EB creates numerous opportunities to engage in research that goes beyond the theory, and that's something I value immensely’, explains De Moor.

Accessible healthcare

In her current work at MIT, she is further refining the methods she developed during her PhD research, but with a broader practical focus. ‘My research here centres mainly on the accessibility of healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries. For example, we are looking at where hospitals can be optimally located and what roads need to be improved to increase access.’

Because of the combination of optimisation and social relevance, several organisations have already come knocking on De Moor's door. ‘We are getting more and more inquiries from organisations like Doctors Without Borders, the World Bank and the World Health Organization who want to know how our techniques can help them solve their logistical and strategic challenges’, she says.

Work that truly makes a difference

De Moor’s plans for the future are ambitious. She wants to develop her techniques even further and apply them in new areas. ‘We are planning to write a book on the technique to bring it to a wider audience’, she adds with inspiring enthusiasm. With her important theoretical discoveries during her PhD and her perspective on practical application, Danique de Moor is building a career that not only solves mathematical challenges, but also has real impact on the world around us. ‘What I would especially like to pass on to future PhD students is simply that they should enjoy their work. The time at UvA passes quickly, but the opportunities you get are endless.’