The DAS Conference is a day for professors of applied sciences, lecturers, researchers, and professionals from the field to come together and reflect on the future of applied research and education. With a diverse program featuring interactive sessions, workshops, and pitches, this year’s edition focused on societal impact, technological innovation, and the role of universities of applied sciences in the sustainable transition.
The two sessions demonstrated how practice-based research drives the biobased transition:
Life Cycle Assessment – From Chain to Impact
By Alexander Compeer and Jappe de Best (MNEXT/Avans University of Applied Sciences)
In this session, participants engaged in a game designed to provide insight into the principles and possibilities of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and how they can be used to understand the environmental impact of products and processes. LCA offers tools to make well-founded, sustainable choices in both research and practice.
After a short introduction on environmental impact and how LCA can be used to measure it, participants dove into the game. The task involved creating a wood-based product, with its specific application revealed only during the game. Participants analyzed various environmental impact categories across the full product chain. In an interactive way, they learned the basics of LCA and the key considerations that come with it. This sparked engaging discussions—one of the intended outcomes of the game. The game was very well received, with several participants expressing interest in using it within their own educational institutions.
Fermentation Technology in the Biobased Economy
By Richèle Wind, Laura Claret Fernandez (HAN University of Applied Sciences), Janneke Krooneman (Hanze University of Applied Sciences) & Jasper Meijer (MNEXT/Avans University of Applied Sciences)
This session highlighted the role of fermentation in developing biobased alternatives to fossil resources. Using concrete examples from education and research, the applicability and added value of this technology were clearly demonstrated. The three universities presented research on fermenting cotton fibers into color pigments using fungi, the production of PHA (a type of bioplastic), and fungal color fermentation for various applications such as textiles and packaging.
Each university also showcased how fermentation is integrated into their educational programs, the opportunities still to be explored, and the challenges they face. A lively discussion followed the presentations, focusing on how to inspire students to become enthusiastic about fermentation and encourage them to pursue this field of study.
Both sessions attracted a diverse audience and were valuable contributions to the conference, which emphasized knowledge sharing and collaboration.
About Lectorenplatform Biobased Economy
Lectorenplatform Biobased Economy focuses on the innovation and adoption of biobased materials and energy—key components of the circular economy.
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