Can you introduce yourself?
Arjen studied computer science at University of Twente and started his research into databases and search engines at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica in Amsterdam, NL. At Radboud, he teaches Information Retrieval, Big Data, and Generative AI. He co-founded Spinque based on his research, a company that makes search engines.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
As computer scientist you can build what you invent - literally "on the attic". Especially today, with so many examples in open source that can teach you how to solve obstacles you might encounter.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
The question how a computer can provide the right information for someone is unsolved, even with the rise of AI. I study in particular the question how to represent the meaning of information objects with a mix of structured and unstructured data.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Do listen to that voice in your head that helps find your passion. When you do things you love, it is easy to excel and find your path through studies and life.
What is the best part of working with students?
With their ambition and creativity, not limited by knowledge about historic failures, you can find new and original approaches to understand and (occassionally) even solve challenging problems, together.