Short research news
Second HZ Discovery Café on March 18
In The second HZ Discovery Café will take place on Tuesday, 18 March, at the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ) in Middelburg.
Each time, two researchers take the stage at the café. In a cosy and informal atmosphere, they share their passion for their work, explain a specific research project, or offer their insights on current events. They also engage in discussions with the audience. The café is open to anyone interested in research in and for the region. The programme for the second edition will be announced well in advance.
During the first café on 11 February at the HZ Tower, the HZ Research Vision was presented. You can read more about it elsewhere in this HZ Discovery.
Mischa Beckers (Data Science) at 'Let's go AI'
On 27 March, Onbegrensd Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is organising the event ‘Let’s go AI: Unlimited Learning and Working in the Region’. Mischa Beckers will be giving a workshop and taking part in the panel discussion on the future of AI. The event will take place at the CO3 Campus in Terneuzen.
Visitors will learn more about how AI can enhance work and learning processes. Experts will share their knowledge and experiences, participants can gain new insights during the workshops, and there will be networking opportunities. The event is open to anyone from education, government, and business in both Zeeland and Flanders.
Mischa’s workshop is titled ‘The Ins and Outs of Working with AI’. “AI is everywhere—that’s clear to everyone. But how can we use it efficiently, effectively, and responsibly?” he says about the content. Mischa will outline what AI is, what it can and cannot do, how it can create added value, and what pitfalls to avoid. He will provide plenty of practical examples. ‘Let’s go AI’ will run from 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The event is organised by Onbegrensd Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. It is fully booked, but you can still register for the waiting list via this website.
HZ introduces a minor nuclear technology
In early February, twenty third-year students at HZ University of Applied Sciences started the new minor in Nuclear Technology. Their studies include radiation safety and nuclear energy.
The minor concludes with a debate on the pros and cons of nuclear energy. The previous government (Rutte IV) announced plans to build four new nuclear power stations. Borssele and Terneuzen are among the locations under consideration, and there are also plans to keep the existing EPZ plant operational.
According to the government, nuclear energy can play a crucial role in a sustainable and reliable energy system. Energy is one of HZ’s key themes in education and research. The energy transition requires a combination of expertise and innovative solutions in areas such as green hydrogen, offshore energy, heat reuse, the governance of complex energy projects, and nuclear energy. There is a strong possibility that nuclear energy will continue to be produced in Zeeland in the future. “As a knowledge institute, we must prepare for this,” says Walter Roovers, domain director at HZ. “This way, we can make a valuable contribution with knowledge and skills in this field.”
HZ is not tackling this alone. For this minor, the university is collaborating with TU Delft, Scalda, EPZ (owner of the existing nuclear plant), nuclear waste processor COVRA N.V., NRG PALLAS (owner of the reactor in Petten), Urenco Nederland, and the Nuclear Academy.
Carlo Wolters, director of EPZ, is enthusiastic. “Until now, we have always trained new employees ourselves,” he says. “With this collaboration between education and industry, Dutch nuclear companies can delegate part of the training process, while HZ and its students get the opportunity to explore nuclear technology, which will be an important part of the Dutch energy mix.”
The launch of the minor attracted a lot of attention, with coverage from Omroep Zeeland and NOS, among others.
Students conduct surveys for Cool Neighbourhoods
To understand how residents cope with heat and view climate adaptation strategies, HZ students have conducted surveys in several neighbourhoods in Middelburg.
They did this as part of the Interreg project Cool Neighbourhoods. Surveys were carried out in the city centre and various other districts. The HZ students are currently engaged in their Climate Adaptation minor at The Garage. Cool Neighbourhoods aims to map and measure urban heat and develop effective climate adaptation strategies to reduce heat stress and improve liveability.
The initial survey results indicate that some residents experience heat stress, both indoors and outdoors. The extent of this depends on factors such as home insulation, house orientation, and the presence of greenery in the surroundings. Residents particularly appreciate shaded areas, and many express a desire for more greenery in their neighbourhoods, such as green façades and trees.
HZ joins UASNL
HZ has become a member of UASNL, a network of 22 universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands.
Together, they aim to strengthen their European research profile. The organisation was established in 2020 to increase the visibility of applied research in Europe. While the importance of research by universities of applied sciences is well recognised in the Netherlands, it needs greater attention in Brussels. Due to their practical approach to research and innovation, universities of applied sciences are becoming increasingly significant in addressing societal challenges.
Their research benefits not just regional communities but also national, European, and even global initiatives. For example, they could play a key role in realising the ambitions outlined in the recently published report on sustainable competitiveness by Mario Draghi.
An additional benefit of applied research is that its outcomes feed back into education. UASNL has an EU office in Brussels, where it contributes to policy development, builds European partnerships, and highlights the value of applied research guided by the motto ‘Together we are stronger’.
CELTH has a new board
Het CELTH has a new management team. Outgoing director Menno Stokman has been succeeded by interim duo Jos van der Sterren and Anke Arts.
The Centre of Expertise for Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality is a collaboration between HZ, Breda University of Applied Sciences, and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Jos van der Sterren is a senior researcher and lecturer at BUAS, while Anke Arts is a researcher at the European Tourism Futures Institute at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and responsible for policy and development at CELTH.
They will continue the existing research programme on destinations, sustainability, leisure, and hospitality. Additionally, they will engage with other universities of applied sciences in the leisure sector to explore potential expansion. The pair also intend to work with the industry to explore ways to increase their impact. “Jos and Anke have extensive experience in research, tourism, and management, as well as strong professional networks,” says Jorrit Snijder, President of the Executive Board at BUAS. “I am confident that they will successfully bridge the sector’s societal challenges with solutions from education and research.”
On the impact of nuclear power station construction
HZ Knowledge Centre for Zeeland Society, in collaboration with Lysias consultancy, has conducted research into the impact of constructing nuclear power stations in Borssele. The province and municipality of Borsele requested a realistic assessment of this impact.
They also wanted an overview of measures to mitigate the negative effects and identify opportunities arising from the new stations. The researchers interviewed organisations, stakeholders, and specialists, analysed documents and data, and examined similar projects abroad. The report was published in early February. One key finding is that the construction will primarily benefit Zeeland’s economy. However, it will have negative consequences for the social and physical environment, particularly causing disruption in Borssele. Thousands of migrant workers will be required, and their accommodation will need to be arranged in the region.
Recommendations
The report includes recommendations on balancing benefits and drawbacks. A crucial point is to implement measures early to minimise issues such as construction traffic and migrant worker housing. “Support residents who will bear the greatest burdens generously,” advise the researchers.
Other recommendations include ensuring optimal communication between stakeholders and accounting for uncertainties in planning. To maximise the benefits, investments should be made in technical education, local business opportunities, and landscape development. The report also highlights the importance of sustainable regional investments.
