4TU on the Stage in Brussels: Showcasing Dutch Innovation in Energy and Health Technology

Brussels, 15 October 2025 - The 4TU.Federation brought the collective strength of the four Dutch technical universities - Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, and Wageningen University & Research - to Brussels for the event “4TU on the Stage - Challenges in Energy and Health Technology” Hosted at the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU, the gathering brought together EU policymakers, scientists, and innovation leaders to explore how Dutch universities can contribute to Europe’s clean energy transition and strategic autonomy.

Following a warm welcome by Petra Smits, Head of the Department for Research & Innovation, Space and Atomic Questions, Marjolein Dohmen-Janssen, Secretary-General of the 4TU.Federation, introduced the vision of 4TU: to strengthen societal impact through collaboration and technological excellence.

The EU and Dutch policy perspectives were presented by Henriette van Eijl (European Commission) and Tjerk Opmeer (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy). Van Eijl highlighted the importance of partnerships and implementation in achieving European goals, while Opmeer emphasized innovation and valorization as key enablers for progress.

Keynote speakers Maroeska Rovers (4TU.Health) and Harry Bitter (4TU.Energy) showcased how the 4TU Centres are driving impactful solutions in their respective fields and organizations. Representing 4TU.Energy, Zofia Lukszo (TU Delft) presented on the socio-technical challenges of the energy transition, emphasizing the need for integrated systems thinking. Jimmy Faria-Albanese (University of Twente) discussed long-term energy storage through ammonia, while Donatella Zappalá (TU Delft) shared insights on holistic wind energy innovation. Maja Rücker (TU Eindhoven) explored materials for sustainable energy and the role of education in closing the innovation gap.

The event concluded with poster presentations and networking drinks, where participants exchanged ideas and discussed new opportunities for collaboration. This Brussels showcase reinforced how 4TU’s interdisciplinary approach and strong European connections can accelerate research and innovation to meet the EU’s energy and sustainability ambitions.

^{Welcome by Petra Smits, Head of Department for Research & Innovation, Space and Atomic Questions}

^{Introduction 4TU.Federation by Marjolein Dohmen-Janssen, Secretary General of 4TU.Federation}

^{Henriette van Eijl, Deputy Director / Head of Unit for Health and Societal Transitions, European Commission}

^{Tjerk Opmeer, Director Innovation & Knowledge, deputy Director-general Innovation and Business, Ministry of Economic Affairs}

^{keynote speech by Maroeska Rovers, 4TU.Health}