Connecting mathematics and computer science
By creating a synergy between mathematics and computer science, CWI pursues fundamental and long-term innovation. Our strength is discovering and developing new ideas that benefit society and the economy, as well as other scientific areas. Our research is rooted in practical, real-life questions and explores essential aspects of modern life, including transport and communication networks, internet security, medical imaging and smart energy systems. Our innovations form an integral part of numerous software products, programming languages and international standards. The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, thereby generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to society at large, and to industry in particular.
International network
CWI is at the heart of European research in mathematics and computer science. We take part in many international programmes, including EU Horizon2020. With close ties to industry and the wider academic world, both at home and abroad, we maintain a sharp focus on the bigger picture and real-world issues. Member of ERCIM the European Research Consortium for Informatics and Mathematics - aims to foster collaborative work within the European research community and to increase co-operation with European industry.
Research talent
Our reputation ensures that we attract the best research talent. We currently unite 50 tenured and tenure-track researchers, 30 postdocs and 65 PhD students from more than 25 different countries. Many members of our permanent research staff teach at a Dutch university. CWI adheres to the highest standards regarding diversity, inclusiveness, ethics, and scientific integrity.
A proud heritage
Our institute was the birthplace of the European internet in 1988. We registered one of the first country domains in the world, .nl, in 1986. We built the first Dutch computer in 1952 and kick-started the development of the popular programming language Python in the 1990s. So far, CWI has founded 27 spin-off companies.
Diversity & Inclusion
CWI encourages a diverse workforce: we endeavor to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage everyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical abilities.
Making the Invisible Visible
”Applying for grants is one of the most time consuming things you have to do as a researcher. CWI has a lot of resources in place to make the process easier and to help you secure funding. I’ve really benefited from their help.”
Bringing quantum Computers Closer to Reality
”At CWI you have mathematicians and computer scientists working together in such a way that information flows between them very easily. There’s a nice synergy going on between the different groups that makes research easy.