Perspective on research

We want to improve the quality of people’s experience living together in an urban environment. We achieve this by studying current issues in the areas of social innovation, digitalisation, health, sustainability and continuous learning and innovation. We work on behalf of – and in partnership with – organisations, government agencies and knowledge institutes at the regional, national and international level. And we involve students, professors, researchers and professionals from the field, who approach this research from a variety of disciplines and angles. This allows us to contribute to the further innovation of professional practice and to produce research with impact.

There are all sorts of ways in which researchers and professors can become involved in degree programmes within and outside the HU. They can contribute to the development of new curricula and master’s degree programmes, for example, or give lectures and supervise graduate students. As a result, our education programmes are up to date on the latest developments in professional practice, are regularly expanded with new content and maintain a high standard of professional quality. Our students also contribute to research via graduation projects, student assistantships and learning workplaces. This way, we help them develop into the professionals of tomorrow: flexible, inquisitive and on the ball – and not afraid to adapt to a rapidly changing professional environment.

Quality is our number one priority. That is why research should not only have theoretical and practical relevance, but also be sound in terms of methodology and ethics. We are able to safeguard this quality by adhering to strict quality assurance procedures, scientific standards and codes of conduct. In addition to its longer-standing Medical-Ethical Review Committee, in 2018 the HU set up the Ethics Committee for the Social Domain to advise researchers on these matters. In 2019, the HU extended this facility to all domains within its organisation. In addition, we can rely on a solid quality assurance system: every six years, our research centres are evaluated by an independent external review committee.