The Assignment
In this internship, you will support a lead researcher in developing a practical, shareable blueprint for energy hubs. Knowledge regarding energy hubs is currently fragmented across various reports and partners. You will help consolidate, test, and translate this knowledge into a workable document that entrepreneurs and other parties can immediately use.
You will get to work on various research tasks. You will start with a literature review of energy hubs, existing development tools, and relevant developments in the energy transition. In doing so, you will use sources such as the Energy.nl article on holarchical energy systems. Subsequently, you will analyze the results of previous research conducted by MNEXT and students, and map out the key findings and outstanding questions.
Afterwards, you will validate the previous research in discussions with experts: which lessons are useful and which are not? You will also conduct target group research: who needs this blueprint, what are their requirements, and which format best suits their practice? Consider questions such as: who makes up the target group, how can they use the blueprint, and through which channels is it best distributed?
Based on all this input, you will draft a first version of the blueprint. This draft forms the basis upon which the principal investigator will build further. You will become part of the ‘Kempen Energie Hub’ project and have regular contact with project partners, software and hardware suppliers, and researchers. This allows you to work right in the heart of the energy transition practice.
Supervision: You will receive substantive guidance from Pieter Baelde Jansen, junior researcher at MNEXT. Researcher Mertijn Weeda is the formal supervisor of the project. There are weekly progress meetings, and you are expected to attend relevant meetings with project partners.
You can apply by sending your motivation letter and CV to: Pieter Baelde Jansen – pr.baeldejansen@avans.nl.
About MNEXT
MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the Materials and Energy Transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers, and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and works on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. Projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and bio-based and circular materials.
As an intern or graduating student, you will be a full member of a multidisciplinary research team and work on real-world issues from the professional field. You will collaborate with professionals as well as other students, allowing you to grow not only professionally but also build a strong network. Between 40 and 50 students intern at MNEXT every semester, ensuring you always have sparring partners and social contacts around you.
In addition, you automatically participate in an internship program featuring more than ten workshops. These strengthen both your research skills and your career competencies: from the use of AI in desk research and research integrity to the professional use of LinkedIn and coaching to advance your own start-up idea. For your efforts, you will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.