We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Prof. Dr. Ing. Paul Havinga on May 3, 2024. A distinguished figure in computer science, Professor Havinga was a cornerstone of the University of Twente’s Pervasive Systems group and a driving force within the SUBLIME project. His leadership in Work Package 2, focusing on the development of a data platform and digital twins for steel infrastructures, was instrumental in advancing the project’s objectives.
Professor Havinga supervised PhD and EngD researchers, spearheading advancements in digital twin technology crucial for predictive maintenance and health monitoring of steel infrastructures. His innovative ideas for monitoring techniques were expected to significantly enhance the sustainability and reliability of these structures, extending their operational lifespan.
His enthusiastic participation and collaborative spirit during the SUBLIME project workshop and annual meetings fostered essential discussions and will leave a lasting legacy within the consortium. We deeply miss his vision and leadership but are comforted by the indelible mark he has left, which will continue to inspire future innovations in SUBLIME.
Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this challenging time.
Johan Maljaars and Viktoria Savran, on behalf of SUBLIME project consortium
For more information visit the U Twente website.

Pioneering the Future of Bridge Maintenance: Highlights from the SUBLIME Digital Twin Workshop
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.

Understanding Corrosion to Prolong the Life of Steel Sheet Piles: SUBLIME Consortium Meeting Update
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.

SUBLIME Project Explores Structural Reliability and Innovation at 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.

Introducing Lotte Gerrits – New NWO Representative for SUBLIME
We are pleased to welcome Lotte Gerrits as the new NWO program officer for the SUBLIME project.
Lotte joined NWO in January 2025 after working as a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University, where she also obtained her PhD in chemistry. With her background in research, she brings valuable expertise and a strong connection to the NWO organization.

Elena Zancato Wins Best Innovative Research Award at M2i Annual Conference 2024
Elena Zancato, a PhD researcher within the SUBLIME project, has been awarded the Best Innovative Research prize at the MaterialenNL Conference 2024, held at the National Sports Centre Papendal, Arnhem. Elena’s work integrates real-time Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) data with predictive models, offering safer and more sustainable infrastructure management solutions. Her achievement underscores the significance of her contributions to extending infrastructure life spans, reducing waste, and supporting circular economy goals.

Bridges to a Circular Society
We are excited to announce the publication of Karel Van den Berghe on circular economy strategies for large steel structures, part of the SUBLIME project. It is now available on “De Lichtkogel.nl,” delve into sustainable practices for infrastructure, focusing on the lifecycle extension of steel bridges through innovative technologies and design. This publication marks a significant step towards integrating circularity into infrastructure planning.
