We never work alone. In our research projects, we bring together stakeholder organizations and individuals. Together, we drive the transition forward—for a sustainable future.
Research Themes
Since our founding in 2013, we have built knowledge through regional, national, and international projects across various themes within the materials and energy transition. We categorize these into:
- Biochemistry,
- Biobased materials and applications,
- Biobased technology,
- Energy storage and transport,
- Smart energy systems, and
- Transitions & value creation.
Education Innovation & ‘Lifelong Learning’
In addition to substantive research on the materials and energy transition, we also work on the development of new educational programs and the integration of research and education through project-based work. As progress is made in the transitions, the demand for talent from businesses and governments changes. The content of the curriculum—what a student learns in terms of competencies during their bachelor’s degree—must ensure that students are prepared for careers that may not yet exist. In projects like Learning Network Biobuilders and Energy Education, we map the evolving demand for ‘human capital’ and align this with the academies at Avans and HZ.
In these transitions, it is also important that the workforce is reskilled or upskilled. The evolving higher education landscape is increasingly focusing on ‘Lifelong Learning’ (LLO). For example, there are educational modules that professionals can also follow. The aforementioned projects contribute to this LLO.
Organization
Our practice-based research is conducted within so-called lectorates, or research groups. Each lectorate is led by a lector who, together with their researchers, lecturers, and students, carries out various research projects. For each research theme, there is a dedicated team with years of experience in that specific area.