Thomas Augustinus Benedictus Snijders focuses his research on the application of statistical methods within the behavioural and social sciences. Born in 1949 in Tilburg, Netherlands, he pursued a career in academia that spans multiple continents and decades, resulting in significant contributions to mathematical sociology, network evolution analysis, and the development of specialized statistical software systems.
Academic Foundation and Training
After attending the Maartenscollege in Groningen, Snijders completed his studies at the University of Groningen between 1973 and 1979. He secured a Ph.D. in mathematics, specifically within the realm of mathematical statistics. His doctoral research, supervised by Willem Schaafsma, focused on asymptotic optimality theory regarding testing problems with restricted alternatives.
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Snijders held various teaching and research positions across international institutions. He served at the University of Groningen in multiple periods between 1973 and 2002. His tenure at Utrecht University spanned 1989 to 1992, while his affiliation with the University of Melbourne lasted from 2008 to 2018. In 2006, he began his role at the University of Oxford, associated with Nuffield College, where he remains a professor of statistics in the social sciences.
Methodological Contributions
His work often bridges the gap between social science applications and computational implementation. In 1998, he contributed to the creation of Stocnet, a software system designed for the statistical analysis of social networks. He also co-authored the 1999 textbook, Multilevel Analysis: An Introduction to Basic and Advanced Multilevel Modeling. Furthermore, he served as an editor for the journal Social Networks: An International Journal of Structural Analysis alongside Patrick Doreian.
Recognition and Membership
The scientific community has recognized his work through several honors, including an honorary doctorate from Paris Dauphine University in 2011 and Stockholm University in 2005. He is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, becoming a correspondent in 2007. In 2008, he received the Order of Knight of the Netherlands Lion.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Education: University of Groningen (1973-1979)
- Notable Software: Stocnet (1998)
- Notable Publication: Multilevel Analysis (1999)
- Professional Recognition: Order of Knight of the Netherlands Lion (2008)
- Academic Society: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Questions readers ask
What is Tom Snijders' primary research field?
He specializes in statistics applied to the social and behavioural sciences, with a particular focus on social network analysis and multilevel modeling.
Where has he held academic positions?
He has held faculty and research roles at the University of Groningen, Utrecht University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Oxford.
Achievements
- Held posts at Nuffield College, University of Groningen and University of Melbourne
