Professor Dul’s research focuses on human factors and ergonomics, and in particular, on the interaction between people and the physical and social environment. The HFES jury characterised Professor Dul as an active thought leader on the world stage whose academic contributions to his field are unique, far-ranging and impactful. They say: “Jan Dul's contributions to the field have been unique, far-ranging, and impactful. Although trained as a classical biomechanical ergonomist, he now specialises in the interaction between people and the technological and social-organisational environment.”
His impact is particularly evident in the publication A strategy for human factors and ergonomics: developing the discipline and profession. This influential paper has been cited nearly 150 times in less than three years.
The jury also commended Professor Dul for being a true pioneer in working across disciplinary boundaries. “His outreach efforts spring from his belief that for ergonomics to have a real impact on society, we need to infiltrate other fields, not expect them to discover us,” said the jury. “He has consulted with more than 50 companies to educate them on how properly designed and managed work environments can facilitate employee performance and well-being.”
Linking work environment to productivity
Professor Jan Dul said he is delighted to win the award. “HFES is the world’s most influential human factors and ergonomics society,” he said. “I consider this a recognition for the work I have done to link human factors and ergonomics to business performance.”
This is the second high-profile award Jan Dul received this year. In August, he received the 2015 IEA Distinguished Service Award, presented once every three years for outstanding contributions to the promotion, development and advancement of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the profession.
