HZ Studio

Energy Transition

During this applied research project you learn more about financial, social, technical and creative aspects of energy transition. Solutions to achieve the energy transition are complex and stakeholders often have conflicting interests. With a multidisciplinary team of 3 or 4 students, you will learn to approach solutions from different areas of expertise and perspectives.

For more information, send an e-mail to Wim Huibregtse

Water Technology

In this research project, you will contribute to developing techniques to (re)use water as efficiently as possible. This includes recycling surface water and process water for industries, agriculture and aquaculture. But also recovering valuable (food) substances from waste water, and managing and monitoring water purification plants. You will conduct your research in collaboration with fellow students and researchers.

For more information, send an e-mail to Bart Letterie

Biobased Building

In the Biobased Building Research project, you conduct research into (new) biobased materials and into the health claims related to these innovations. In this way, you contribute to the expansion and improvement of existing biobased building materials. Depending on your assignment, you will, for example, test product ideas, develop new products or research new application possibilities.

For more information, send an e-mail to Marianna Coelho

Circular Economy

In the project Circular Economy you work on the challenge to make the HZ outside spaces more green and attractive, whilst applying materials that contribute to a circular economy. For example, you can make proposals for new planting, make the space suitable for studying, relaxing and meeting, or work in the food forest. You ensure that the required materials are circular and put forward ideas on how food and materials can be (re)used within HZ.

For more information, send an e-mail to Ingrid de Vries

Going Green

In the Going Green project, you and a team of students from various study programmes will work on greening outdoor premises and making them multi-functional. For example, you can give the outdoor premises an educational purpose in addition to the recreational, sports and play function. You and your team will conduct research, collaborating with researchers and professionals.

For more information, send an e-mail to Ingrid de Vries

Marine Biobased Chemistry

The Marine Biobased Chemistry research group uses chemical knowledge to investigate marine resources, for example to shape the food transition in Zeeland. Together with your project group, you can work on the applications of seaweed, delve into protein transition, or develop food packaging. There are also chemistry projects, for instance to analyse flavour and odour compounds. You will learn how to tackle complex research, design experiments, analyse data and present research results.

For more information, send an e-mail to Tanja Moerdijk

HZenzor

To conduct water quality research, the HZ has two self-steering sensor boats: HZenzor 1 and HZenzor 2. The two-metre-long boats are a platform full of measuring equipment. In the HZenzor project, you will improve navigation using waypoints. You will make and implement suggestions on mechatronics and programming. Together with a team of fellow students, you will extensively test the adjustments. In the future, the boats should be able to self-steer and take independent measurements of water quality.

For more information, send an e-mail to Willem Haak

HZ Studio is a collaborative environment where everybody shares thoughts and opinions. You figure out your own steps and discuss progress with your coach. For both the design thinking projects track as for the applied research track, we have suggested steps, tools, inspiration and coaching at hand. Furthermore, your fellow students are here to assist and motivate you as well. The strong sense of community and regular social activities stimulate creativity and wellbeing.

With the HZ Studio minor, depending on the assignment you work on, you may contribute to these Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Improve wellbeing by putting emphasis in each innovation on the quality of visiting or living in Zeeland.
• SDG 11: Enable the regeneration of Zeeland by means of projects and innovations that make places more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
  
• SDG 12: Embrace responsible consumption and production, for instance by nudging sustainable mobility or using food waste of restaurants for other purposes.

With this minor, you will learn the following:

• You invest in getting to know and understand all associated stakeholders for the benefit of the output and process.
  
• You contribute to a collaborative environment in which everybody feels at ease to share thoughts and opinions.
  
• You can apply Design Thinking and share the output in a clear manner, or;
  
• You conduct relevant research and collect and analyse data that are suitable for the required insights.
  
• You take leadership in your own development. You give and receive feedback on your own functioning and experiment with different perspectives and worldviews.
  
• You know how to collaborate with persons outside your own (scientific) domain, institute, culture or context.

This minor has no fixed timetable.

• You are at the HZ Studio for at least 6 half days a week during the minor. This is a creative work space in the HZ Tower, with free coffee and tea.
  
• For the applied research project track, it might be the case that for some time you have a workplace at the particular research group.
  
• It is possible to obtain your credits during the same semester or spread over two semesters.

For the applied research track, we have numerous online sources and methodology books in our studio available. The following books are recommended for the design thinking track (you can borrow them from the HZ Studio library):

• Lewrick, M., Link, P., & Leifer, L. (2020). The design thinking toolbox: A guide to mastering the most popular and valuable innovation methods. John Wiley & Sons.
• Borges, C. C., & McNamee, S. (2022). Design thinking and social construction: a practical guide to innovation in research. BIS Publishers.

A variety of testing takes place, depending on the amount of credits you take. Tests for the full minor are:

• Individual update. You share your plans and outcomes on your own chosen personal development ideas, ambitions and actions. In a vlog or blog you reflect on the entire period and development in The Garage.
  
  
• Contribution portfolio. You create a portfolio with your log and proof of your leadership skills as well as your cooperation with others. In this, you also address boundary crossing competencies.
  
  
• Project output and process. You share your project work such as reports, workshops, flyers or presentations, and of the process by means of interview reports and minutes. You also reflect on the process of Design Thinking and/or your research.