Dirk Siersma

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About

Dirk Siersma is a mathematician whose work bridges singularity theory, geometry, and robotics. His research focuses on the topology and geometry of singularities, particularly in the context of real and complex algebraic varieties, as well as the kinematics of planar linkages. A major contribution is his analysis of critical configurations of planar robot arms, where he and his collaborators established that a closed polygon is a critical point of the oriented area function precisely when it is cyclic—inscribable in a circle. This work, though specialized, has provided foundational insights into the Morse theory of linkages, with applications to robotic motion planning. While his most-cited paper has garnered 5 citations, Siersma’s broader impact is reflected in his extensive body of work on singularities of maps, vanishing cycles, and the topology of hypersurfaces. He has also contributed to the study of real algebraic curves and the geometry of caustics. A professor emeritus at Utrecht University, Siersma is known for his clear exposition and collaborative spirit, mentoring generations of students in the intricate interplay between geometry and applied mathematics.