Hèrm Hofmeyer is an Associate Professor in the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He enthusiastically focuses on two types of research. The first, Computational Structural Design, involves the application of Computer Science to building structures and their design process. Unique developments include automated zoning, iterative structural grammars, stabilization, generation of conformal geometries, simulations of co-evolutionary design processes, and structural optimization. Applying the high scientific standards of Applied Mechanics, the developments are verified with additional implementations, genetic algorithms, and case studies from practice.

The second type of research is related to the application and further development of the finite element method for structural engineering. Using experimental data, dedicated finite element models are developed to obtain in-depth knowledge on the structural behavior. Specifically for thin-walled structures, corner radii and supports with contact are modeled accurately, and dedicated solution strategies are followed to enable mode-jumping and failure mechanisms with a dynamical nature. The knowledge obtained is used for theoretical models that improve or compare current design rules.

Hèrm Hofmeyer (1972) obtained an MSc in Computer Aided Structural Design/Applied Mechanics in 1994. Parallel to a part-time job as a responsible lecturer in architectural design studios, he was awarded a PhD in Applied Mechanics/Steel Structures in 2000. He was a visiting PhD student at Universität Stuttgart, Germany (Prof. E. Ramm) and QUT Brisbane, Australia (Prof. M. Mahendran). After his PhD, he became part-time Assistant Professor and unit board member Research Affairs, and part-time Specialist and Project Leader at ABT consulting engineers. Since 2006, he is a full-time Associate Professor with ‘Ius Promovendi’, the right to award PhD's, and was unit vice-chair up to 2016. Hèrm was also a visiting scholar at the Université de Liège, Belgium (Prof. J.-P. Jaspart), and RWTH Aachen, Germany (Prof. P. Russell).

Over 35 scientific articles, 70 scientific conference contributions, and 60 MSc-theses have been published, of which several awarded. Hèrm acts as reviewer for ISI journals; is member of conference scientific committees; and serves as jury member for (inter)national research foundations. Nine PhD and two PDEng positions have been obtained via external research funds, and he has additionally supervised two government-financed PhDs as a co-promotor. He received a University Teaching Qualification with highest distinction for 7 out of 8 criteria, and received the Department's Bronze Award ‘MSc lecturer 2016’ and Gold Award 'BSc lecturer 2019'. Finally, he is member of ECCS-TC7, CIB-W78, and the Graduate School Engineering Mechanics.

"Computer Science and Applied Mechanics are radically different from structural artefacts and their design process, similar to a CPU being fundamentally different from a programming language. Interestingly, their skillful application provides tremendous insights in the artefacts, and even more important, enlights the design processes that create them"