The Hague University of Applied Sciences Strengthens International Profile at LSBU DxD Conference in London

Organised by the Centre for the Study of the Networked (Digital x Data), the conference brings together researchers, educators and experts around themes such as digitalisation, data and the built environment.

The participation of The Hague University of Applied Sciences marks an important milestone in the growing collaboration with LSBU. At the same time, the event provides the setting for a significant academic moment: the inauguration of Rizal Sebastian as Visiting Professor. With this appointment, he becomes the first colleague from The Hague University of Applied Sciences to hold such an academic position outside the Netherlands.

Inauguration of Rizal Sebastian as Visiting Professor

During the conference, Rizal Sebastian will deliver his inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor at LSBU, a university where he himself graduated in 2000 from the MSc Construction Management programme. His appointment highlights the international recognition of the education and research of The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the fields of the built environment, digitalisation and innovation.

The appointment creates new opportunities for structural collaboration between both institutions. The focus lies on joint research programmes, educational innovation and international knowledge exchange. The appointment therefore represents an important step in further strengthening the position of The Hague University of Applied Sciences as an international knowledge partner.

Broad representation from The Hague University of Applied Sciences

The Hague University of Applied Sciences is strongly represented throughout the conference. From an institutional perspective, Nellie van de Griend (Dean of TIS), Wianda Visser (Programme Manager within TIS) and Rolien Blanken (Programme Coordinator of CoE Mission Zero) are participating in strategic discussions with LSBU partners, including Chris Harty, Dean of Built Environment and Architecture.

The discussions focus on:
• further development of joint educational programmes;
• curriculum development;
• student and staff mobility;
• strengthening structural collaboration between both institutions.

Strengthening research and PhD collaboration

Collaboration in research is also being actively expanded. Researchers Tenesha Caton, Danielle Strydom, Helen van Broekhuijsen and Rizal Sebastian are engaging with LSBU PhD candidates during the conference to discuss doctoral research and the further development of research strategies within The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

In addition, concrete opportunities are being explored for joint research projects on current themes such as:
• Digital Twins;
• Artificial Intelligence (AI);
• CitiVerse;
• Extended Reality (XR);
• data-driven urban development.

Within this context, collaboration is also taking place with Kristina Plekjkova, XR Studio Manager at LSBU.

Urban Urgencies: a shared research agenda for urban challenges

Within the Urban Urgencies research programme, lecturer-researcher Mario Villalba Ferreira and colleagues are collaborating with LSBU partners Igea Troiani, Eva Sopeoglou and Chika Udeaja on a shared research agenda. During the conference, these plans are being further aligned and developed while awaiting the evaluation of a joint funding application.

The collaboration reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to address complex urban challenges through interdisciplinary and international approaches.

International collaboration as a driver for innovation

Participation in the LSBU DxD Conference demonstrates how The Hague University of Applied Sciences actively invests in international collaboration within the built environment domain. The visit builds on previous reciprocal exchanges between both institutions, including an exploratory visit by The Hague University of Applied Sciences to London in the autumn and the hosting of LSBU colleagues in The Hague and Delft this past March.

These successive meetings have resulted in concrete plans related to education, research and mobility, forming the basis for a further intensification of the collaboration.

By connecting education, research and professional practice and by actively collaborating with international partners, The Hague University of Applied Sciences continues to contribute to innovative solutions for societal challenges. With the appointment of Rizal Sebastian as Visiting Professor and the broad involvement of colleagues during the conference, the university takes an important step in strengthening its international profile.