Harm Dorren received his MSc degree in Theoretical Physics in 1991, and his PhD in Geophysics in 1995, both from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He joined Eindhoven University of Technology in 1996 where he most recently worked as a full professor, and as the scientific director of COBRA, one of the world's top institutes in the field of optical communications. In that capacity, he was one of the key players in photonics research. 

Between 1996 and 1999, he had a part-time research position at KPN Research in the Netherlands. In 2002, he was a visiting researcher at the National Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan. In 2013 and 2014, he was a visiting researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, USA.

In 2002, he was awarded an NWO VIDI grant, followed by an NWO VICI grant in 2006. His research interests included optical (packet) switching, optical signal processing, ultrafast photonics, and optical interconnects in data centers. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he also founded a data center technologies company. Harm Dorren authored and co-authored numerous journal papers and conference proceedings. Between 2005 and 2009, he was associate editor of the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics. 

The Department of Electrical Engineering reacts with disbelief and is deeply struck by the news. "Next to his family, his work was an important part of his life. Harm Dorren was a much liked colleague. He will be dearly missed."

Two professors of EE have passed away at a very short interval. On Monday morning, when the news of Dorren’s passing reached TU/e, the funeral of Professor Wil Kling of Electrical Energy Systems was underway. Kling died at 64 in China during a business trip on March 14.

There will be a farewell ceremony in memory of Harm Dorren on Saturday 4 April from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm in the Blauwe Zaal, Auditorium. Colleagues, friends and relatives are welcome to attend. This will be followed by a private cremation for family only.

A book of condolences is available in Room 0.303 of the Flux building. This book will be handed over to the family after the ceremony. In addition, an online memorial has been arranged.

Source: TU/e press team