King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visited the Joint Research Centre Zeeland (JRCZ) in Middelburg on Tuesday. They did so during a regional visit to Walcheren.
The royal couple was welcomed to the research laboratory by manager Leo Blok and coordinator Karen Vrolijk. Directors Barbara Oomen of HZ University of Applied Sciences, Hendrik-Jan van Arenthals of Scalda and Sjef Smeekens of University College Roosevelt, the partners of the JRCZ, were also present at the reception. The focus of the visit was the continuous learning line (mbo-hbo-wo). Leo Blok, Joyce Ten Holter of the Delta Climate Center, alderman Willemien Treurniet of the Municipality of Middelburg and provincial executive member Harry van der Maas spoke to the king and queen about this topic after entering.
After this, the company went to Delta Power's laboratory where lector Jacob van Berkel introduced them to the continuous learning line in practice. The tidal power plant in the lab was built by students from Scalda, HZ students researched the motors, which can both pump out water and generate electricity through the water. Hannah Willke, a student from University College Roosevelt, did research on the effects on marine life of such a tidal power plant.
After this, the visit split. King Willem-Alexander went to the Data Science Lab where HZ lecturer Mischa Beckers of Data Science, practor Water Marco Lengton of Scalda and students from the three institutions showed what role data plays in future-proofing the Zeeland delta. Queen Máxima went to the chemistry and food lab. There, she was welcomed by associate lecturer Tanja Moerdijk of Marine Biobased Chemistry and practor Nutrition Eline Stoel of Scalda.
Among other things, the queen was updated by HZ students on the Food Challenge Bus and the usefulness of fermentation by former HZ student and current PhD student Berend Sponselee. She concluded her visit to the lab by tasting a sip of specially brewed kombucha by John Vermeersen and a Zeeland snack from Scalda chefs Jarno van Cadsand and Marcus Noah.
After visiting the JRCZ, the royal couple went on to Veere, Serooskerke and Domburg. In the seaside resort, they spoke to Diana Kortweg Maris of HZ Kenniscentrum Kusttoerisme, among others. Topic of conversation at one of the tables was the balance between liveability and tourism.
