Around fifty alumni from TU Delft, TU/e, the University of Twente and Wageningen University gathered on April 14th 2026 at Imperial's South Kensington campus for an evening of conversation, connection, and shared experience. What began as a structured networking event quickly turned into something more informal and more memorable.
A global network, locally connected
The event was organised by the 4TU.Alumni Network, which connects nearly 350,000 graduates worldwide, making it one of the largest technical alumni networks of its kind on the planet. Its international programme has been carefully developed with two goals in mind: providing meaningful networking opportunities for alumni wherever they have built their careers, and supporting the strategic ambitions of the four technical universities of the Netherlands by raising their global profile. By activating alumni communities in the world's leading research and innovation hubs — London, Boston, San Francisco, Geneva, Zurich and beyond — the network makes visible the remarkable footprint that Dutch technical education has on the world stage. Alongside its research-focused gatherings, 4TU.Alumni is a partner in a dedicated 4TU entrepreneurship programme, with regular activities supporting startup missions from the Netherlands to destinations across the globe.
The UK chapter has its own history. The first 4TU.Alumni event in Britain was held at Imperial College London in 2018 — reflecting the longstanding ties between the Dutch technical universities and British institutions. Tuesday's gathering felt like a natural continuation: a room full of people connected not just by where they studied, but by where their careers have taken them.
Nine researchers, three rounds, one room
At the heart of the evening was a 'research speed dating' format. Researchers rotated between tables of alumni, with each round offering time to share their work, career paths, and perspectives — and to open the floor for conversation.
The nine researchers represented a wide range of fields (as appearing from left to right in the above photo):
- Marc Masen (University of Twente) — tribology researcher at Imperial, working on friction and wear in medical contexts
- Aryo Feldman (Wageningen) — exploring biodiversity and food systems at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Koen van Dam (TU Delft) — modelling city-scale energy systems at Imperial
- Chayanin Tangwiriyasakul (TU/e & Twente) — developing brain–computer interfaces at King's College London
- Ghita Berrada (University of Twente) — applying AI to clinical decision-making at LSE
- Sophie Armanini (TU Delft) — Associate Professor at Imperial, working on bioinspired flight and flapping-wing drones
- Fabian Blombach (Wageningen) — UCL researcher studying the molecular biology of Archaea
- Stijn van Ewijk (University of Twente) — Lecturer at UCL focusing on circular economy and waste policy
- Bart Vanneste (TU/e) — studying the impact of generative AI on corporate strategy at UCL
If the format sounded structured on paper, the atmosphere quickly proved otherwise.
"More like a chat with friends"
As the evening progressed, conversations moved easily beyond research topics to shared experiences of living and working abroad. One attendee described it simply as "more like a chat with friends."
The questions reflected a genuinely curious audience. At one table, a discussion on tribology began with a simple question: why does a soft teddy bear feel pleasant to touch, while cheap plastic does not? At another, the idea of a silent drone sparked a conversation about observing wildlife without disturbance and the new research possibilities that could unlock.
Another participant captured the atmosphere: "It is incredible to, without knowing anyone, feel welcome, feel connected and have meaningful, intellectual conversations. I was not expecting it. The event managed to bring a real family feel to being alumni."
For many, that sense of ease was the most striking outcome. What could have felt formal instead became an evening of open, peer-to-peer exchange.
Beyond academia
While the evening spotlighted researchers, the 4500+ member strong 4TU alumni community in the UK extends far beyond academia. Graduates can be found across industry, startups, and the public sector — including over thirty currently working for Formula One teams. As Joe Laufer of the University of Twente Alumni Office noted, that alone could be a great focus for a future alumni gathering.
Part of something bigger
The London event is part of a growing international calendar of 4TU.Alumni activities. Alumni in the UK are encouraged to stay connected via the 4TU.Alumni UK LinkedIn group for future events and updates.
A special thank you goes to UT alumnus Marc Masen, who not only participated as a researcher but also played a key role in organising the evening — just as he did when the very first 4TU.Alumni UK event was held at Imperial back in 2018.
Questions about the 4TU.Alumni Network? Contact one of the following 4TU alumni coordinators - Anouk Dijkstal (TU Delft), Mayke Oldenburg (TU Eindhoven), Joe Laufer (University of Twente), Denise Spiekerman (Wageningen University)