What a small university of applied sciences can excel in. Apologies for the cliché, but sometimes a cliché perfectly captures the essence. Read this edition of *HZ Discovery*, and you’ll see what I mean.

Take Vana Tsimopoulou, associate professor in the Asset Management research group. She contributed to the 'International Handbook on Emergency Management for Flood Defences', a global standard work on emergency response to flooding, co-authored by colleagues from Rijkswaterstaat, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Tourism. Vana shares more about the book later in this issue.

This is just one of the many articles in HZ Discovery. You’ll also find an interview with Sybren Slimmen about his PhD research on young adults’ mental health, an article on the flagship projects of the Delta Climate Center, and an introduction to Delta Patrol, HZ’s very own team of storm chasers. Additionally, you’ll read about the ever-growing importance of energy research. No fewer than four 'new' researchers from the Delta Power research group introduce themselves and share insights into their projects.

Make sure to start with the first article, which outlines HZ’s new research vision. It sets out the university’s ambitions in the field of research. In 2000, HZ became the first university of applied sciences in the Netherlands to appoint a professor. Since then, this field has expanded significantly, with seventeen research groups and knowledge centres now in place. Each of them conducts research in the areas of water, energy, and vitality, making a significant impact on the region. That is something to be proud of. What a small university of applied sciences can excel in. Eugène de Kok, editor HZ Discovery