Carel Peeters appointed Chair of Applied Statistics at WUR

Today, many researchers work with datasets that are simultaneously small and extremely complex: relatively few observations, but thousands of variables. This quickly leads to the notorious ‘curse of dimensionality’: the more variables, the harder it becomes to identify meaningful patterns. Yet hidden within this abundance of information lie valuable new insights. “The challenge is to recognise the underlying structure,” Peeters explains. “With the right mathematical and statistical techniques, we can harness the complexity and turn the so-called curse of dimensionality into a blessing.”

This approach helps, for example, to select more suitable neural networks and to develop more effective data-analytical tools. In doing so, researchers and companies gain control over their complex data streams. ‘More data’ thus becomes not a pitfall, but a powerful instrument for making well-founded choices and advancing progress in areas such as sustainable agriculture and health. Richard Harrison, the managing director of WUR’s Plant Sciences Group, is enthusiastic about the appointment: “Carel has the ability to translate complex questions into clear insights. He has already demonstrated this quality in his research and education activities within Biometris over the past years and will continue to strengthen the group in the future as our new Chair of Applied Statistics. We are very pleased with his appointment and look forward to the years ahead."

Carel Peeters was born in Nijmegen in 1982. He studied Statistics at KU Leuven, where he graduated with great distinction, a Flemish honorary designation comparable to cum laude in the Netherlands. He subsequently obtained his PhD in Bayesian statistics at Utrecht University, winning several awards for his dissertation. Before joining Wageningen, he worked at VU Amsterdam, Cito and Amsterdam UMC.

Since 2021, Peeters has been Associate Professor at Biometris, and now he is stepping up to the position of Chair. He succeeds Professor Fred van Eeuwijk, who led the group for many years and will reach retirement age in February 2026. Van Eeuwijk will remain affiliated with Biometris for the time being and will focus on projects concerning the statistical modelling of Genotype x Environment x Management (GxExM) interactions. This work centres on understanding how hereditary traits, environmental conditions and cultivation choices together determine plant behaviour. He will also continue to supervise PhD candidates in their research.

As Chair, Peeters will work to further strengthen statistical research at Biometris. Biometris comprises the chair groups Applied Mathematics and Applied Statistics, and the Biometris business unit. Together with his colleagues, Peeters aims to build an open, inclusive and close-knit group where collaboration is central – both within and beyond Biometris. Education will be his second priority: “Students should not only learn to calculate, but above all learn to analyse and solve problems. That is the essence of statistics.” Peeters also advocates innovation in assessment, ensuring that students are better prepared for the complex issues of the future.

Peeters himself is a first-generation student and knows how difficult it can be to find one’s way in academia. “I want to ensure that first-generation students can fully develop their talents. Everyone should feel welcome in science.”