The region as campus: HU opens academic year 2024-2025

Chairman of the day Eva Reuling, member of the Executive Board, opened the festivities to the accompaniment of the Utrecht Student Bigband. Wilma Scholte op Reimer then took those present virtually to various places in the region where, together with our partners, we work to solve social issues. Like Cartesius. There, knowledge institutions, construction companies and the government are working together on a special, green, healthy neighbourhood. ‘It is fantastic to literally build a sustainable future together with partners,’ says Wilma.

Student Sterre van der Voort knows what Wilma is talking about. She did an assignment for the development of Cartesius and, with her fellow students, devised shade cloths on which plants and flowers provide more shade on the street. ‘In a practical project like this, you know exactly what you are developing for and who you are doing it for. That is a unique experience. Something like that cannot be replicated in the classroom.’

‘Without Sterre and other students, we would never have thought of this solution,’ keynote speaker Onno Dwars tells us a little later. And he should know, as CEO of Ballast Nedam Development. ‘The introduction of the sewer system once ensured that we live ten years longer on average. So why couldn't the built environment be the medicine of the future? With smart solutions, we can make people live longer in good health. That is what we are going for together.’

HU has created a digital copy of Cartesius, a Digital Twin, which can be used to extensively test how this neighbourhood can be optimally designed. HU researchers Koen Smit and Rob Peters, who also works for the province of Utrecht, explored it in depth with student Mats Braster.

Traditionally, the HU presents the HUgenoot award during the annual opening, an award for lecturers, staff and students who have made a special contribution to the university and society. This year, this special honour fell to lecturer Annette Wind, who has been chair of the Hogeschoolraad (HSR), HU's central participation body, for six years. ‘Annette is hugely committed to HU and a true ambassador of our HU values. She knows how to build a bridge between HU-wide ambitions and the reality of the shop floor. Especially in complex situations, Annette knows how to connect people in a light-hearted and understandable way,’ the laudation states. Annette receives the award not only for her role at the HSR, but also for her work as a teacher and commitment to extra-curricular honours education. ‘She knows how to bring out the best in students in her teaching time and again and also takes them along with her enthusiasm for our college.’ Annette received the award from Executive Board member Gerard van Assem.