How THUAS is strengthening its position in Europe

Researchers from The Hague University of Applied Sciences are increasingly taking a seat at the table in Brussels. For example, Rizal Sebastian and Helen van Broekhuijsen recently joined a task force that advises the European Commission on the future of industrialised construction. Their participation is part of a broader trend. Through European networks, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, THUAS is steadily strengthening its position as a European knowledge partner. But what does this mean in practice for research, education, and society? We spoke with Rizal Sebastian, Maaike de Loor, and Remmelt de Weerd about the impact of these developments.

Shaping the future of construction

Professor Rizal Sebastian and lecturer-researcher Helen van Broekhuijsen from the Future Urban Systems research group have been selected to join the EU Task Force on Offsite Construction, part of the High Level Construction Forum. The task force brings together experts from across Europe to help shape the future of industrialised and modular construction.

Rizal explains: "With offsite construction, building components arrive at the construction site ready to install. This reduces the need for labour and raw materials. We are facing a housing crisis, a shortage of raw materials, and a labour shortage. Building more efficiently is part of the solution."

Being close to the heart of EU policymaking is a privilege.

- Rizal Sebastian

The task force advises the European Commission on policy development and assesses whether proposed initiatives are innovative, feasible, and fit for purpose. For its members, participation offers more than the opportunity to influence policy. It also provides early access to emerging knowledge, international networks, and future European research programmes.

Rizal continues: "Being close to the heart of EU policymaking is a privilege, first and foremost for our research. In a sense, we're helping to write the research calls that our own research group may later respond to."

We know what's coming before anyone else, which allows us to prepare our students for the future.

- Rizal Sebastian

This knowledge also feeds directly into education.

"Sitting around the table with EU policymakers means you're among the first to know what's happening in the sector," Rizal says. "We can anticipate future trends and prepare our students accordingly. If we learn that a new EU standard will come into force in five years, Helen can immediately incorporate that into student assignments."

Putting practice-oriented research on the European agenda

The growing presence of researchers from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in European policymaking is no coincidence. Maaike de Loor has been working to make this happen. On behalf of the Changing Role of Europe research group, she currently serves as Liaison Officer at UASNL, the association representing 23 Dutch universities of applied sciences.

"I build connections for researchers from Dutch universities of applied sciences across the European landscape. I also work to ensure that the added value of practice-oriented research is recognised in European Union policy documents."

Maaike continues: "Ultimately, you want research groups to put their knowledge to work for the European community. We don't just produce knowledge and innovations—we develop practical solutions to Europe's societal challenges. Lecturer-researchers are deeply embedded in society. That tremendous capacity for innovation deserves much greater recognition."

After two years in her role as Liaison Officer, the first results are already becoming visible. One example is the request made by European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva in June 2025 for an overview of practice-oriented research, including concrete examples. "She recognised that what we do in the Netherlands is unique."

European ambitions, local impact

The benefits of European collaboration extend far beyond Brussels. According to Remmelt de Weerd, researcher at the Changing Role of Europe research group, researchers, lecturers, and students all benefit. His research focuses on the factors that help universities of applied sciences successfully engage at the European level.

He believes it is essential for researchers to understand what is happening within Europe in their field. That knowledge not only strengthens research but also enriches education.

"All of our students will enter the workforce, and every one of them - regardless of the sector they work in - will experience the impact of policies developed within the European Union."

Remmelt continues: "Our graduates already see the influence of Brussels through new legislation and regulations that change what is expected of them in their professional roles. At the same time, they increasingly have opportunities to contribute to challenges that extend beyond national borders. Think of digital security, sustainability, public safety, strategic autonomy, and building a strong, innovative economy. The ambitions formulated at the European level ultimately have a direct impact on what happens in Dutch communities and businesses."

Through a European programme, a research group can dramatically increase the impact of its research.

- Remmelt de Weerd

According to Remmelt, it is essential for a university of applied sciences that its researchers and professors stay informed about developments at the European level within their field. This enables them not only to understand the implications of European policy but also to identify opportunities to contribute to international challenges. Moreover, by participating in European programmes, research groups can significantly expand the reach and impact of their research.