Connecting research, policy and impact: delegation of Amsterdam professors of applied sciences goes to Brussels
Publication date: 10-11-2026
Nine professors of applied sciences travelled together with a shared mission: how can we show that our practice-oriented research contributes to major challenges? Their discussions brought one answer into sharper focus: regional research and innovation networks have a big role to play in European research projects.
Research starts with a question or need from society
The timing is particularly relevant right now, as the EU negotiates its next long-term budget and its next research programme called FP10.
The delegation consisted of a group of nine professors of applied sciences from the six faculties of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences plus some additional colleagues. Their research is always demand driven and covers various societal topics, such as health, nutrition and movement, AI in education and healthcare, law, and the labor market. Different fields, but with one important thing in common: research starts with a question or need from society.
That approach resonated during the visit. The European Commission emphasised the importance of grounding knowledge valorisation in societal and economic needs. Applied research puts this into practice by involving partners and end users from the outset. They help shape the research questions and can put the findings to use more quickly.
Positive response in Brussels
Kirsi Haavisto, EU Directorate-General Research and Innovation, and head of unit Knowledge Valorisation and Technology Infrastructures responded positively to all the examples given by the professors of applied sciences. By articulating needs and engaging stakeholders from the very start of the research, applied research directly addresses the needs of partners in the field, thereby achieving immediate societal impact.
Haavisto thus stated: “We believe in societal or economic impact. For instance, impact on policy making on regional or national level, impact on how to engage with citizens.”
Contact Maren
Interested to find out more? Please contact Maren Pannemann, EU Liaison AUAS. The visit was prompted by the AUAS Strategic Research Policy, which aims to tackle societal challenges and foster innovation in professional practice. in the Netherlands and internationally. Interested to find out more?
