Opening Academic Year: together you can go further

The opening of the academic year was all about power and the need to collaborate. Within Hanze and beyond: collaboration with students, companies, governments, social organisations and other partners within the region. Because today's pressing issues reach beyond the boundaries of study programmes, disciplines or organisations.

After the opening act by students of Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts and music performed by students of the Prince Claus Conservatorium, chairman of the day Thomas Mook gave the floor to chairman of the Executive Board Dick Pouwels. 

Hanze does not stand alone  

Pouwels emphasised that Hanze does not operate in isolation. "We do not stand apart from the region. We are part of it." As a knowledge institution, Hanze has a broader social mission than just training people for the labour market. It is also about forming professionals and citizens who take responsibility for their environment and society. According to Pouwels, in our research, too, we need to look beyond the current issues of companies and organisations. Hanze should contribute to a sustainable and future-proof society: "We don't want to be an extension of the old system but contribute to tomorrow’s needs." 

Cooperation is essential in this regard. Both within Hanze as an organisation and with partners in the region. Because our strength lies not only in what we know and can do ourselves, but also in what is created when we bring knowledge, people and professional practice together. Read his full speech here. 

Emma Vos wint Hannie Schaftprijs  

Design student Emma Vos has received this year's Hannie Schaft Award. The Hannie Schaft Award is presented to students who demonstrate commitment to Hanze’s social missions, who are dedicated to improving human well-being in the broadest sense of the word and distinguish themselves through a powerful personal motivation. Emma has designed an interactive installation that makes emotional neglect in relationships between parent and child tangible and experienceable for visitors. She combines psychological theory, practice-oriented research and self-designed interactive technology (such as an unwinnable Wii game and adapted toys through circuit bending and sensor-controlled objects) to invite visitors to reflect on their own assumptions about family, safety and emotional well-being.

"Emma has translated an abstract and painful subject into a tangible, artistic installation in a technically very clever way. The project is rooted in psychological theories and personal experiences, making a lack which does not leave any physical traces palpable. The work distinguishes itself by a creative approach, such as the choice of a children's room as a mobile concept that can be used at various locations. The surprise effect of the gaming elements, where the frustration of not being able to win reinforces the theme of neglect, was considered very powerful”, according to the judges.

The other nominees for the Hannie Schaft Award were CMD student Eva de Ruiter and Social Work students Henk Overdijk and Gioya Mormina. They talk about their projects in the videos below.

From knowledge institution to transformation partner  

This year's keynote speech was given by Aleid Brouwer. She discussed the major transitions that the Northern Netherlands is in the middle of, such as ageing and shrinkage, digitisation and AI, the energy transition and tightness in the labour market. According to her, these developments do not require small improvements, but transformation: different ways of learning, collaborating and sharing knowledge. According to Aleid, Hanze has a crucial role as a regional connector: by bringing students, researchers, companies, governments and societal organisations together to work on solutions.