Dr Matthijs Koornstra passed away 31 October 2017. Matthijs Koornstra was appointed as advisor on research methods and data analysis at SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research in 1968. From 1986 to 1999, Matthijs acted as managing director for SWOV and greatly contributed to the scientific standing of SWOV in the Netherlands and abroad. After retiring as managing director, he remained affiliated to SWOV as advisor up till 2002.
SWOV commemorates its former managing director with great appreciation and gratitude. Matthijs acknowledged the significance of international collaboration to increase knowledge on road safety. He contributed to the establishment of the Forum of European Road Safety Research Institutes (FERSI), he was the chairman for the International Road Traffic Accident Database (IRTAD) for several years, and strengthened relations with foreign institutes, OECD and ‘Brussels’. Furthermore, Matthijs was one of the founding fathers of the Dutch vision for road safety: ‘Sustainable Safety’. In April 2000, Matthijs Koornstra was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
SWOV sends their sincere condolences to his family and friends.
