The Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities (LDE) strategic alliance connects the three universities in South Holland and encourages collaboration in research and education. Students and scientists work together successfully in this way. LDE Dean Wim van den Doel looks back on a year in which interdisciplinary education and collaboration with the region took centre stage, for example in the many thesis labs, where students tackled real social issues. ‘Students learn from each other and from society. And the region benefits from fresh ideas and new insights.’
interview by Eline Raukema
Learning in and from society
Education within the LDE alliance is intertwined with society. Students work on current issues in so-called thesis labs, together with companies, governments and social organisations, which, as stakeholders, commission the students to work on a specific issue. ‘In LDE thesis labs, students solve serious problems together with existing stakeholders,’ says Van den Doel.
‘In LDE thesis labs, students solve serious problems together with existing stakeholders.'
One example is the Green Heart Thesis Lab, in which students investigated what the future of this area might look like. They worked on themes such as soil subsidence, nitrogen and sustainable land use. The results, compiled in a booklet, were enthusiastically received by a representative of the province of Utrecht and partners involved, such as Rabobank and the Veenweiden Innovation Centre.
Social challenges were also central to the Thesis Lab de Groene Operatiekamer (Green Operating Room). Students delved into the world of hospital waste: how can the operating room become more sustainable? ‘The amount of waste per operation is enormous,’ explains Van den Doel. ‘Students entered into discussions with hospitals to come up with practical solutions.’
Such an experience not only teaches students to think in an interdisciplinary way, but also to collaborate in a different cultural context.’
There are also international thesis labs. Last year, for example, students travelled to Morocco to work on sustainable horticulture and to Indonesia to work on the ecological environment around the new capital. ‘Such an experience not only teaches students to think in an interdisciplinary way, but also to collaborate in a different cultural context.’
Smart collaboration in times of budget cuts
Like all universities, the three LDE universities are also facing financial pressure. However, Van den Doel says, ‘By working together smartly, we can look at ways to cut costs without compromising the quality of education or research too much.’
This offers flexibility and a wide choice, even if cutbacks are involved.'
The three universities are working together to find ways to work more efficiently. A concrete example of this is EduXchange, a platform where students can choose from a range of more than two hundred minor programmes. Regardless of which university you are enrolled at, you can easily register here for a minor at another LDE university. ‘This offers flexibility and a wide choice, even if cutbacks are involved,’ says Van den Doel.
Research with impact
Research within LDE is firmly rooted in South Holland. The three universities collaborate on major social issues: from energy transition and metropolitan development to health and migration. ‘We are located in the heart of South Holland, but we work on issues that are relevant everywhere,’ says Van den Doel.
This international dimension takes shape in collaborations with Indonesia and Kenya, among others. Within the Indonesian INUCoST programme, LDE teams work with local universities on projects related to health and sustainability. In Kenya, the Centre for Frugal Innovation develops solutions to social challenges in close collaboration with local partners. ‘The issues they are dealing with are also our issues in South Holland, which is why this exchange of knowledge and collaboration is so important.’
White paper on the economy of South Holland
A visible result of the social engagement of the LDE universities is the new white paper on the future of the South Holland economy, which will be published in December. It translates research results into accessible recommendations for policymakers and politicians.
‘Not everyone reads scientific articles,’ says Van den Doel. ‘With this white paper, we are disseminating knowledge in a way that reaches more people. The themes are also examined from different disciplines in the white paper.’
With this white paper, we are disseminating knowledge in a way that reaches more people.'
Unexpected loss of Andrea Evers
Healthy Society is an LDE programme, supported by the province of South Holland, which investigates how people can be encouraged to live healthier lives. In Rotterdam neighbourhoods, for example, experiments are being conducted with apps and behavioural interventions to make healthy choices easier.
The programme was co-founded by Professor Andrea Evers, who recently passed away. Her death leaves a huge void and is deeply mourned, Van den Doel emphasises. 'Andrea Evers was the face of Healthy Society. She was a brilliant scientist and a true team player. She understood that health is not just about medical technology, but also about behaviour and social factors.'
Andrea Evers was the face of Healthy Society. She was a brilliant scientist and a true team player.'
Her conviction that prevention and cooperation are essential continues to guide us. ‘She demonstrated how science can advance society when practised as a team. Her team continues that work.’
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges of the present, Van den Doel looks ahead with optimism. New interdisciplinary minors and thesis labs are on the agenda, and cooperation between universities is being further deepened. ‘LDE is a long-term alliance,’ he says. ‘We are building a barrier-free educational environment in which students and researchers can find each other more easily. Even in times of decline, we remain a powerful, innovative community that has an impact, in South Holland and beyond.’
