I would like to start by expressing my love to the structural engineering profession. Armed with pencil, geo-triangle, calculator and a good dose of inventiveness and wit, we can ensure that the most beautiful buildings and bridges can be built. 

In our profession we apply deeper insights of mechanics, but we also know our materials and know what is practically feasible in construction. We prefer to bring order and regularity into the structural design, but we can also go on a razzle to achieve the unachievable. 

For me, the pure beauty of our profession is reflected in the constructions of for example Vladimir Suchov. He made simple structures that followed the direction of forces. In times when labour is cheap and material (or costs a lot of CO₂) is expensive, it pays to listen carefully to the laws of mechanics. 

One of my motivations for a fellowship at the TU/e is to pass on my enthusiasm for the engineering profession to a younger generation. Not only the knowledge of the profession, but also the responsibility we bear for a safe and sustainable built environment! 

The urgency to limit carbon emissions in the building industry has led to a surge of interest into biobased materials and into (mass) timber buildings. It has resulted in a timber revolution. But this revolution will only take hold if we manage, making safe, reliable and comfortable buildings. And there lies a catch. 

The current developments in the execution of large and tall timber buildings go so quickly, that our knowledge level and our research have a problem keeping pace. Not merely in the structural design, but also in the interdisciplinary aspects regarding fire, acoustics and durability. 

The key to keep track and to safeguard the viability of sustainable timber building, is to strengthen our education and research on timber engineering. And to collaborate in partnerships with other knowledge institutes, with the authorities, with architects and engineers and with the building industry.