More than 30 guests from Regieorgaan SIA heard about the role Fontys University of Applied Sciences plays in the Brainport region with practice-oriented research during the working visit to the university in Eindhoven in early September. Fontys used the visit to show how its research contributes to technological innovations in the Brainport region. But just as important: with practice-oriented research, Fontys also wants to provide answers to the many social issues that the strong growth in the region entails.
Leo Warmerdam, General Manager Holland High Tech was also present on this day.
We welcome the application-oriented research lines of universities of applied sciences in general, making use of our strong Dutch position in key technologies. During this event Fontys explained the emphasis they place and that looks good. Holland High Tech supports research and innovation carried out at universities of applied sciences. We would like to see the research at universities of applied sciences expand.
Adding quality
Lecturer Dana Feringa explained: The enormous economic growth in our region is putting a lot of pressure on the local community. The friction between the different groups of residents is increasing and there is extra pressure on healthcare and education.
One of her research projects therefore focuses on the question of how to strengthen the social resilience of residents. Feringa, who previously worked at the university, also discussed the differences between scientific and practice-oriented research in her presentation. We also want to deliver reliable and valid research results with the university research, but we also think it is important that the results are used. That requires co-creation from the start and we add that quality.
Accelerate
Earlier, lecturer Teade Punter and principal investigator Peter Lambooij explained how they are investigating in their big chemistry robot lab how AI, data and robots are used in chemistry research, with the aim of substantially accelerating the process. They are working together with the business community and universities. Students also play a role in this research project. Punter: "We apply our expertise in system architecture and ICT in chemistry and learn through this interaction." The collaborating partners also have an eye for the business potential of this research.
Impact driven
The presentations were followed by a discussion led by Alex Verkade (Head of Positioning SIA) on the preconditions and future of practice-oriented research. The guests, including a delegation from NWO and representatives from Top Sectors HTSM and ICT, Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, ministries and the tech field, brought in various perspectives. John Blankendaal, Director of Brainport Industries, noted that the parties must move from money-driven to – even more so – impact-driven research.
At the start of the working visit, Joep Houterman, Chairman of the Executive Board of Fontys, expressed the wish that the parties would gain more understanding of each other's position and role in research. SIA board member Elies Lemkes-Klaver responded to this in the closing remarks: "We are working on that. It is good that we have gained more insight today into the value of practice-oriented research for society. The added value of research at universities of applied sciences lies in the connection with the region, the business community and with other stakeholders. We must maintain that."