Accelerating the circular transition together (DAN-CE)
A joint meeting by and for researchers on collaboration between universities of applied sciences and research universities in the circular economy.
On Tuesday afternoon, 24 March 2026, during the Week van de Circulaire Economie, the Dutch Academic Network for a Circular Economy (DAN-CE), the Lectorenplatform Circulaire Economie, and Het Groene Brein are jointly organizing a meeting by and for researchers. We warmly invite you to join this afternoon dedicated to knowledge sharing, inspiration, and networking around research collaborations within the circular economy.
It will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas and build new connections for future joint projects. The aim of the afternoon is to strengthen collaboration between universities of applied sciences and Academia, so that practice-oriented, applied, and fundamental research can connect more effectively and together create impact in the transition to a circular economy.
Location: Avans Hogeschool, Onderwijsboulevard 300, Den Bosch. Ruimte OL042.
Time: 13.00 – 17.00 (Walkin 13.00-13.30, borrel untill 18.00u)
What can you expect?
- An inspiring presentation on regional circular ecosystems and the role of knowledge institutions in effective collaboration, delivered by Arnoud Lagendijk (Radboud University) and Emil Evenhuis (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency – PBL).
- Practical collaboration cases, including:
- Lifeport region (Arnhem/Nijmegen) – Sjors Witjes and Merijn Neleman share their experiences with triple helix collaboration, in which several educational institutions contribute to circular innovations.
- Acting Together (ACT!) – Ernst Worrell and Susanne Keesman present their experiences regarding the necessity of collaboration for the circular transition. The ACT! project stimulates the transition to a circular economy by connecting a broad consortium of scientific and societal partners.
- Breakout sessions around the cases, where participants will explore together with fellow researchers how collaboration can be strengthened in practice and how we can collectively create even greater impact in the circular transition.
- Reflection and a panel discussion on scaling up and strengthening collaboration, with Nina de Kreij (NWO), Sjors Witjes (WO), Maaike Lycklama a Nijeholt (HBO), Douwe Huitema (KIA-CE), tbc Lis Suarez (PHD network DAN-CE)
- A closing networking reception to meet informally and build new connections.
For more information:
Dianne de Fijter
d.defijter@hetgroenebrein.nl