Alumni Event: Executive Master of IT-Auditing

At the start of his career, Edwin often heard auditors say, “This doesn’t feel right, we need to look into this further.” That seemingly simple remark became the foundation of his later PhD research at Radboud University (Behavioural Science Institute), which he completed in December 2025.

His research focuses on the role and impact of intuition in auditing. How does a gut feeling fit within a profession built on standards, reasoned judgment, and careful information processing? What role do heuristics and biases play? And what happens to intuition as AI becomes increasingly embedded in audit practice? In his presentation, Edwin shares his personal journey and key insights.

Dr. Edwin Hummel RO RE CISA is Audit Manager at the Netherlands Court of Audit (Auditdienst Rijk), board member of NOREA, and former student and lecturer of the IT Auditing program at TIAS.

Who decides whether you receive a loan, get a job, or what information you see online? Increasingly, algorithms make these decisions. But who ensures that these systems operate fairly, reliably, and responsibly? In his inaugural lecture, Prof. Dr. Theo-Jan Renkema argues that auditors have a key role to play. After all, their profession is about building trust through independent and expert judgment.

Audit as a bridge between people and technology
Auditors operate at the intersection of data, AI, and human judgment. Their task is not only to leverage new technologies, but also to assess risks and implications. In doing so, they contribute to the responsible use of AI within organizations and to trust in the outcomes of increasingly sophisticated algorithms.

New opportunities in the age of AI
According to Renkema, the AI era brings not only challenges, but also opportunities for auditors. His message is clear: now more than ever, professionals are needed who ask the right questions, critically assess data and algorithms, and at the same time embrace the possibilities of AI.

Prof. Dr. Theo-Jan Renkema MBA CISA is Senior Lecturer at the Executive Master of IT-Auditing. He studied business economics and information management at the University of Groningen (cum laude) and earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Science from Eindhoven University of Technology, focusing on investments in information infrastructure. In recent years, he has worked at Rabobank on the strategic use of IT and accelerating digital transformation. He currently serves as a member of the Audit Rabobank board and Chief Auditor.