A few weeks back, most of the LDE Thesis Labs held their Round Table sessions, one of the key components of the programme. In these sessions, students presented their individual thesis research to an invited group of professionals from companies, public bodies, and civil society organisations. What followed was a structured exchange: professionals offered critical perspectives from practice, and students had the opportunity to probe the realities of working on complex sustainability transitions. It was a moment where academic research was tested against (and enriched by) the expertise of those navigating these challenges every day. Below are a few highlights from this year's sessions.
Circular Horticulture Lab - Tomatoworld
The Circular Horticulture Lab held their Round Table at Tomatoworld, a living field lab and knowledge centre for sustainable greenhouse horticulture. The setting proved a fitting backdrop for a lab exploring circular transitions in the sector. Students presented their ongoing thesis research to professionals from across the horticultural industry, waste management, and regional networks, including Glastuinbouw Nederland, Renewi, and Greenport West-Holland. Following the session, students and a number of the participating professionals joined a guided tour of the field lab, offering a tangible look at the innovations being researched and implemented in practice.
Future of Repair Lab
The Future of Repair Lab convened a diverse group of professionals spanning local and regional government, academic research, and industry, reflecting the breadth of actors involved in scaling repair as a meaningful strategy within the circular economy. Students presented their thesis research on the barriers, enablers, and systemic conditions that shape the future of repair in the Netherlands, receiving critical and constructive feedback from organisations including Provincie Zuid-Holland, Leiden University, Techniek Nederland, and the Reparatiecoalitie.
Sustainable Aviation Lab - Wings of the Future
The Sustainable Aviation Lab, running this year under the theme Wings of the Future, brought together a broad group of professionals from across the aviation and energy sectors, reflecting the wide coalition of actors required to drive the transition towards net-zero aviation. Participating organisations included Airbus, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Eneco, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre, among others. This lab is part of the Luchtvaart in Transitie and Flying Vision Accelerator programmes, supported by the Nationaal Groeifonds.
Looking ahead
The Round Table sessions are a testament to the value of connecting academic research with professional practice, as well as to the commitment of the many organisations that give their time to support the next generation of researchers. Applications for the next cohort of the LDE Thesis Labs will open in autumn. More information will be shared on our website in due course.
