News item | 06-07-2023 | 4:00 pm
Minister Dijkgraaf of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) has signed a new 5-year cooperation agreement to strengthen practice-oriented research at universities of applied sciences via the Regie-Organ Praktijkgericht Onderzoek (SIA). In recent decades, practice-oriented research has proven to be very valuable, in particular due to the current knowledge contribution to social issues and the cooperation in this between education, knowledge institutions, companies and social partners. Dijkgraaf concludes the agreement, also on behalf of Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs, with the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland, TNO and ROM-Nederland.
The strength of practice-oriented research is that researchers and HBO students work together with social organizations and companies to conduct research. This research contributes to innovation in education, professional practice and solving social problems. On the basis of this valuable contribution, the government has already decided to allocate an extra 100 million euros per year for practice-oriented research. SIA receives 15 million euros per year from this.
The new agreement should, among other things, ensure that SIA is even better embedded in scientific research. In addition, ROM-Netherlands – the Regional Development Companies – is a new partner, which should promote an even stronger regional anchoring of practice-oriented research
Minister Dijkgraaf: “The relevant results and great partnerships that SIA makes possible show that practice-oriented research plays a future-oriented and current role in the scientific landscape. This form of research makes important initiatives possible that benefit society. It is therefore no longer It is therefore logical to continue and strengthen the successful collaboration between universities of applied sciences, knowledge institutions, companies and the government with this new agreement.
Research with societal impact
The SIA covenant brings about valuable initiatives. For example, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences conducts research into artificial intelligence and its impact on our society. In collaboration with various practical partners, we are investigating how artificial intelligence can be designed and applied in a responsible manner. This research, co-funded by SIA, contributes to understanding and exploiting the potential of AI in our society.
Another example is the ‘Ergotherapy and DIY technology’ project. Thanks to the involvement of healthcare institutions, entrepreneurs, secondary vocational education institutions and universities, innovative solutions are being worked on in rehabilitation care. This has led, among other things, to customizing aids using 3D printers, so that rehabilitation care can better meet the personal needs of patients.
The Smart Tiny Lab in Enschede provides sustainable solutions in the construction sector. Researchers and students from Saxion University of Applied Sciences work here with partners from the business community on the development, testing and demonstration of sustainable building products.