At HZ, research is also education. Study programmes, research groups and the professional field work together in a task-oriented manner. Practice-oriented research inspires, provides direction and contributes structurally to the quality of education.
HZ trains professionals for a world in transition. The urgent social challenges in the areas of water, energy and vitality require close collaboration between disciplines, innovation, entrepreneurship and the ability to deal with constantly changing contexts. To this end, HZ has a flexible learning, working and research environment that promotes collaboration and maximises returns. This is achieved through the knowledge and skills of existing and future professionals.
Strengthening
Research and education reinforce each other within HZ. Practice-oriented research offers a rich context for students. They work together with the professional field on meaningful, real-life issues, often with an international dimension. In this way, they contribute to improvements and innovative (professional) products and develop essential competencies and skills such as curiosity, imagination, analysis, collaboration, organisation and reflection.
On the other hand, education offers a large network of (future) professionals. It is a source of creativity and resources and therefore valuable for research. HZ wants this reciprocal relationship between education and research to be the driving force behind all developments. That is why this is an important topic in HZ's education and research vision.
An important knowledge accelerator
Research is also an important knowledge accelerator for HZ's programmes and practice. Through research, HZ is at the forefront of social transitions. Lecturers and researchers see which skills future professionals will need. They link these insights to curriculum development and knowledge development. This ensures that education is always up to date.
The research enriches bachelor's and associate degree programmes, but also expands the educational portfolio. For example, there are courses for professionals and opportunities for master's programmes, professional doctorates and PhD programmes. These educational programmes focus on one-on-one interaction between research groups, education and students at every stage of their careers.
Knowledge management
In order to optimally fulfil the role of knowledge accelerator, it is important to properly safeguard the knowledge gained from practice-oriented research. With the further development of a knowledge management system, HZ has a good tool at its disposal for this purpose. This knowledge management system helps HZ to build on previously conducted research and make this knowledge available to HZ programmes and external partners.
Meetings
In order to further increase the impact of the collaboration between education, research and the professional field, it is important that the parties are aware of each other's perspectives, opportunities and activities. HZ encourages this through active communication, both internally and externally at regional and national level. Meetings and connections are constantly being organised and publicity is sought for the research.