Jana de Wiljes: Navigating the Mathematics of Uncertainty

As we reach the conclusion of our #WomenInUrbanAIR campaign, which began in February to celebrate women and girls in science, we turn our final spotlight toward the "language of science": Mathematics.

Mathematics remains one of the most gender-imbalanced fields in STEM research, with women holding only about 20% of research positions globally, and even fewer in senior leadership. Breaking this trend is Jana de Wiljes, who leads the Mathematics of Data Science group at the Technical University of Ilmenau

Jana’s research provides the rigorous foundation for UrbanAIR’s simulations, specifically through her expertise in Data Assimilation and Uncertainty Quantification. By developing mathematical methodologies that quantify what we don't know, she helps city planners understand the reliability of their models.

Ending our series with Jana is a powerful reminder of the progress being made. We spoke with her about the beauty of mathematical modelling, the challenges of quantifying the unknown, and why the spirit of this campaign—promoting equity and visibility—must remain a year-round commitment in our labs and cities.

What inspired you to join the UrbanAIR project?

My main motivation for joining UrbanAIR was the urgent need for research that addresses the real and growing repercussions of climate change, particularly research that helps communities anticipate, understand, and respond to these changes as effectively as possible. UrbanAIR offered a unique opportunity to contribute to work with direct societal impact.

Equally inspiring was the chance to collaborate with an exceptional and truly interdisciplinary consortium of scientists from across Europe. Being part of a project led by Femke, whom I greatly admire both scientifically and personally, and working alongside experts from many complementary fields made UrbanAIR a very compelling project for me.

Jana, presenting to the UrbanAIR consortium during the kick-off meeting in Delft

Could you describe your specific role and contribution to the UrbanAIR digital twin project?

As a mathematician, my role in UrbanAIR is to develop and apply mathematical methodologies that enable the simulation of different possible scenarios for urban environments. These simulations help explore how cities might respond to various climate, environmental, and policy-related changes.

A key part of my contribution is also to quantify uncertainty within these scenarios. By providing uncertainty estimates, we can better understand the reliability and limitations of model predictions, which is crucial for informed decision-making and responsible use of the digital twin by stakeholders and policymakers. The UrbanAIR project relies on a very diverse team of experts.

How does this diversity improve the quality and equity of the project’s outcomes?

Diversity is essential for high-quality research, especially for complex challenges like climate change and urban resilience. Being challenged by colleagues from different disciplines forces us to broaden our perspectives and to look at problems from angles we might not consider on our own. At the same time, no single person can be an expert in everything, and projects of this scale simply cannot succeed without collective expertise.

Beyond scientific innovation, I personally find it deeply meaningful to continuously learn from peers in other fields. This constant exchange not only expands my own knowledge but also fuels curiosity, creativity, and a genuine enthusiasm for research beyond my original discipline.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in climate research or urban planning?

Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to enter spaces where you may initially feel out of place; those are often the environments where you learn the most and where your contributions can be especially valuable.

Actively seek out other scientists, especially those from different disciplines and backgrounds, and engage in conversations beyond your immediate field. Research is strongest when it is done in diverse teams, where different perspectives challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and lead to more robust and equitable solutions. Embracing collaboration not only improves the science itself but also makes the research process richer, more creative, and ultimately more fun.

Stay tuned to our news webpage and follow our campaign #WomenInUrbanAIR to learn more about gender equality in the UrbanAIR project.