As major societal challenges become increasingly urgent, the federation worked on its role, its strategy for 2030 and concrete initiatives that have an impact on education, research and innovation. Secretary Marjolein Dohmen-Janssen looks back on a year in which cooperation was more central than ever and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2026.
Looking back on a year full of collaboration
What do you think were the most important moments or developments within 4TU in 2025?
Marjolein sees 2025 primarily as a year in which the joint course was further refined.
"During discussions about the new strategy, it became clear once again what 4TU stands for: achieving greater social impact through collaboration. The four technical universities each play a major role in social transitions, but it is precisely by strengthening each other rather than acting separately that real added value is created."
The broad input gathered for the 2030 strategy confirmed how strong internal cohesion has become. Employees see cooperation, getting to know each other and representing common interests not only as logical principles, but also as something that is truly felt in practice. That trust forms a solid foundation for the coming years.
In addition, 2025 was also a year of visible results: the launch of 4TU.Schools, the allocation of budget for large-scale scientific infrastructure to the UTOPYS consortium, and the growing visibility of 4TU as a discussion partner in the national debate on technology. Each of these developments contributes to the broader profile of the federation.
Where inspiration truly comes from
What inspired you most personally in 2025?
‘The EngD candidates who presented their work at the KIVI Award ceremony in December made a big impression: smart, applicable solutions to global challenges. I believe examples like these demonstrate why investing in technical education and designers is so important.’
Where did you see the greatest impact of our collaboration this year?
"One of the most tangible examples was UTOPYS: an initiative that broke through after several attempts thanks to perseverance and the power of collaboration. By bringing researchers together and facilitating their work, 4TU was able to help this proposal ultimately succeed in an area (large-scale scientific infrastructure) where it had previously been difficult to get proposals from the technical-scientific domain approved."
In addition, Marjolein sees that previous investments in joint programmes continue to prove their value."
For example, the consortia that emerged from our earlier High Tech for Sustainable Future programmes are still active. This HTSF programme focused on attracting young scientific talent to long-term collaborative projects on important themes. Because these young talents were given permanent positions at one of the technical universities, the collaboration is still ongoing.
In addition, Ideation Lab, which originated at TU Delft, was rolled out within 4TU. In this programme, scientists with impressive research results are linked to MSc students who are trained and supervised in translating research results into practice. It is great that in the first 4TU round of Ideation Lab, we linked students to scientists from the previous HTSF programmes, thereby strengthening the various 4TU initiatives. 4TU also played a role in the creation of broader national agendas, such as the action agendas developed for the National Technology Strategy (NTS), which will be launched on 26 January.
The strength of the federation
What makes 4TU unique within the Dutch knowledge landscape?
‘The strength of 4TU lies in the fact that the technical universities together form a recognisable and powerful point of contact for the field of technology. This applies to research, but certainly also to the training of engineers. In this regard, 4TU actively seeks cooperation with other disciplines and institutions. After all, major transitions also require behavioural change, social embedding and interdisciplinary knowledge.’
What role does 4TU play at a time when higher education is under pressure?
‘Right now,’ says Marjolein, "it is essential to join forces. By working together, avoiding overlap and strengthening each other, universities of technology and partners can work more efficiently and make a greater impact. 4TU also plays a role in creating the right conditions, not only for universities, but also for businesses and social organisations. The aim is to ensure that knowledge and innovation actually find their way into society."
Collaboration as a foundation
What happened this year that made you think, “This shows why we do this together”?
'2025 showed that collaboration really works. Several projects demonstrated that working together leads to concrete results. The joint approach of 4TU.Impact around DealTerms (harmonising conditions for knowledge transfer) and involving all universities in this is an example of this and illustrates how valuable it is to coordinate processes across the university. This prevents fragmentation and provides clarity for external parties."
The course towards 2030
What can you already say about the new 4TU strategy for 2030?
“Our motto is 4TU.4Society, and three core values form the basis for the 4TU strategy 2030: connecting, representing and strengthening. Download the 2030 4TU Strategy below. Note: for now only available in Dutch, English version to come.
4TU aims to build communities, stimulate collaboration and ensure that the vast amount of technical knowledge in the Netherlands can be utilised even more effectively. In education, the focus is on the entire chain: from inspiring young talent to modernising engineering programmes and engaging alumni to retain graduates for the labour market in the Netherlands. In terms of impact, the focus is on increasing the social value of research and innovation.
What social developments have influenced this course?
‘Issues related to resilience play a particularly important role: geopolitical dependencies, the need for European innovation, digital security, climate change and defence. These issues require strong technical foundations. That is why 4TU focuses on strengthening areas such as resilience engineering, energy and high-tech materials: areas where technological development directly affects societal resilience.’
Looking ahead to a new year
What should 2026 bring?
Marjolein sees 2026 as a transitional year, in which the organisation will be further strengthened. ‘This means, among other things, strengthening networks within 4TU and the centres, maintaining short lines of communication and effective collaboration, and, above all, further expanding initiatives such as 4TU.Schools, precisely because attention to technology among young people is becoming increasingly urgent.’
In addition, 4TU wants to be ready to respond to developments within the new cabinet.
What gives you confidence for the coming year?
The answer is clear: people. Marjolein strongly believes in the enthusiasm of the scientists and students, but also of the administrators and all the support staff within the four technical universities. ‘Engineers want to contribute to solutions, to innovation and to the world, and that intrinsic motivation gives me confidence for 2026.’
A personal note
What are you most looking forward to?
Marjolein: ‘For me, it's mainly the moment when all our efforts translate into visible results: new projects that actually get off the ground.’
What message would you like to give researchers, students, partners and colleagues for the new year?
‘Building together pays off. By working together, solutions to complex challenges continue to emerge. My message is therefore: keep looking for what works, think outside the box, especially the young people who are so good at this, and hold on to the creativity and drive that make technical universities so strong.’