On 27 August, the heads of engineering faculties from the technical universities and the University of Groningen gathered at the Zernike Campus in Groningen for the fifth National Day for Heads of Engineering Faculties. This anniversary edition centred on a single question: how can transdisciplinary collaboration help tackle societal challenges?
Strengthening the technical domain
In the context of preparing the Sector Plan Technology III, the meeting focused on further strengthening the technology domain. The deans discussed cross‑disciplinary collaboration, shared research infrastructures, and attracting technical talent. The meeting also addressed developments within NWO’s Applied and Engineering Sciences (TTW) domain. NWO‑TTW is represented in the Council for Engineering Sciences (RvTW), ensuring short lines of communication between the technology deans and NWO‑TTW and regular coordination on developments in the technology domain.
Transdisciplinary collaboration in practice
Throughout the day, researchers from the participating universities shared different perspectives on transdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact. In the afternoon, the national discipline councils joined for a conversation on transdisciplinary collaboration at the Energy Barn of Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. The exchange highlighted that close cooperation between disciplines, institutions and partners is essential for effectively addressing societal challenges.
Looking back on an inspiring day
The RvTW reflects on an inspiring and valuable meeting that contributed to further strengthening collaboration between the technology deans, discipline councils and NWO‑TTW within the Dutch technology domain.
