My research is driven by the search for a unified theory of quantum gravity that combines gravity with quantum mechanics. The aim is to understand the workings of gravity at small distance scales when quantum mechanics cannot be ignored. Examples of such extreme conditions are the Big Bang at the start of our universe and the black holes predicted by Einstein's theory of gravity.  My present work is focused on  non-relativistic string theory and its underlying non-relativistic gravity and geometry  to find out whether or not relativity is indispensable for the construction of a theory of quantum gravity. A popular introduction  to this issue can be found at the website

beste-id.nl

I am using the same non-relativistic geometry in effective field theory to gain new insights into certain aspects of the fractional quantum Hall effect. 

I am an Honorary Professor in Theoretical High-Energy Physics. In 2009 I became the `Willem de Sitter' Chair in Theoretical Physics and in 2010 I was awarded an Academy Professorship (`Akademie Professor') by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences. Till 01-09-2017 I was the director of the Van Swinderen Institute (VSI) for Particle Physics and Gravity. Om 01-06-2018 I was appointed to Knight in the Order of The Netherlands, see my Wikipedia page.