Young Researchers Delft-West empowers youth

What makes this project special is that we don’t just do research about young people, we work with them to explore important issues in their lives and develop real improvements together.

Milou Andriessen

Introduction

In the Young Researchers Delft-West approach, young people are trained as co-researchers through the neighbourhood university. Together with experts, they address challenges in their own environment and work on solutions that make a real difference. The programme contributes to equal opportunities by giving young people a voice and developing research skills that benefit both their future and their neighbourhood.

Project background

Delft-West is a focus area within the National Programme for Liveability and Safety, where challenges in education, poverty, health, housing, and safety accumulate. Many young people leave school without qualifications, and youth-related nuisance occurs in some areas. The programme is part of the neighbourhood university initiated by Delft University of Technology and funded through the Delft-West Regio Deal.

Objective

Contribute to neighbourhood liveability and youth development while exploring how young people can effectively participate in issues within their own environment.

Target group

Young people in transition phases from primary to secondary education and from secondary to higher education are key moments with significant social and personal challenges.

Method
The programme uses Community Led Research and Action (CLRA). Young people define research questions, collect data, and co-develop interventions with stakeholders. Guided by researchers, this approach strengthens ownership, engagement, and sustainable solutions.

Results

The programme includes modules focused on improving the living environment and wellbeing of young people in Delft-West. Participants develop research skills and gain experience in interviewing, design, and collaboration with professionals. This generates valuable insights into meaningful youth participation in urban challenges. A concrete example is the development of a new playground at the Debussyflat, where young people actively contributed to the design. They interviewed local residents, collaborated with municipal experts, and completed a short internship at the city office.

Impact

By actively involving young people as co-researchers, they are empowered to create changes that reflect their needs and lived experiences. The approach strengthens collaboration between youth, the municipality, and the community, contributing to sustainable improvements in liveability and social cohesion. The programme not only delivers tangible neighbourhood outcomes but also increases young people’s confidence and sense of ownership. It enhances their future prospects by developing new skills, insights, and aspirations.

More information

Neighbourhood University Delft-West – Young Researchers programme

Start and end date

September 2025 – August 2028

Funding

Delft-West Regio Deal (partnership between the national government and Municipality of Delft)

Collaboration

Delft University of Technology, Municipality of Delft, Wij West Delft, ROC Mondriaan, Rode Fenix, Delft voor Elkaar, CANIDREAM, The Mall

Team

Katja Rusinovic
Marianne van Bochove
Bernell Herder
Stephan van Berkel
Milou Andriessen
Melissa van der Heijden
Sophie Bothof

Contact

Bernell Herder: [email protected]