DOSSIER Ethical dilemmas - WERE YOU THERE? King Willem-Alexander opens TechMed Centre
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MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND PARTNERS WINTER 2019/2020
DOSSIER
Ethical dilemmas
WERE YOU THERE?
King Willem-Alexander
opens TechMed Centre
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Switching between skills
CONTENTS Cover image: Gijs van Ouwerkerk
16 38THERE IS MORE THAN
32 OPENING I WANT TO MAKE
SIMPLY MAKING A PROFIT
TECHMED THE MOST OF MY
CENTRE STUDENT YEARS
4 DOSSIER:
ETHICAL DILEMMAS 34 A CLOSER LOOK AT
THE TECHMED CENTRE
34 ON CAMPUS
Gravitation programme brings Switching between skills Prominent player in the field of
philosopher and engineer medical technology
together
38 DEPARTURE POINT TWENTE
Vice President at Dell
Never done learning in Brussels
40 STUDENT HOUSE
Preventing falls 25 BUSINESS SCHOOL PLD A glorious view and a great
atmosphere
26 IN BRIEF
Making a difference 42 MY JOB
28 ALUMNI NEWS Energy from efficiency
14 INTERVIEW EDUCATION improvements
UT lecturer of the year 30 FUND NEWS
44 SPIN-OFF
16 ACTIVE STUDENT 32 WHERE YOU THERE? Injections with bubbles
Magazine in English please visit: www.utwente.nl/magazine/en
2
FOREWORD
FIRST OF ALL
“People-first technology” was the With regard to the second pillar of
theme of our 58th dies celebration. research, that of digitisation and
People first and technology second, connected communities, we also
it said. That certainly goes for the realise that the human dimension
Technical Medical Centre, which is important. There are myriad
our King opened that day. When technical challenges before us, for
developing new technology, we example with regard to cyber
want to listen to people and to security and questions such as who
society as a whole: what do they owns the data we make available?
need? Not that long ago, there was Is this transparent enough?
a machine developer from Twente,
Robin Koops, who asked himself: If you think that all this makes for
“what do I need?” He has diabetes a very strong focus on people and
and decided to develop an artificial that science should rather be about
pancreas. He was not deterred by developing useful technology to
the physicians who laughed in his benefit society, I would agree
face. Now, fifteen years later, his entirely. That is why protecting our
“PEOPLE FIRST AND TECHNOLOGY
device is almost ready for market – planet and therefore protecting SECOND, IT SAID”
all thanks to his perseverance and a future generations is one of our
regional ecosystem that includes new fields of research.
the University of Twente and its
spin-offs. Robin Koops was recently As Robbert Dijkgraaf said recently,
elected as a “national icon.” science is “the most systematic
way of understanding the world,
“People first” is most evident in people and our own thought
the healthcare sector. For example, processes.” Even a people-first
I was impressed by the story told approach raises such research
by Petra Hes during the dies questions. Lastly, let’s not forget
celebration. She suffered a stroke at we conduct this research in
the young age of seventeen. She communities – in “the last reserves
got her quality of life back as a of the optimists,” as Dijkgraaf calls
result of not only the rehabilitation them. Science requires optimism
robot that was developed at the UT, and there are plenty of reasons to
but also because of her powerful be optimistic.
will. She has now dedicated her life
to helping other patients. Another
growing development is asking
citizens to actively participate in
research and help us make our SINCE 25 NOVEMBER 2016, THOM PALSTRA
choices. This is known as “citizen HAS BEEN RECTOR MAGNIFICUS OF THE
science.” UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE.
3
DOSSIER
GRAVITATION PROGRAMME BRINGS PHILOSOPHER AND ENGINEER TOGETHER
New technology does not only represent progress; it also leads to new ethical and social
questions. The Gravitation programme “Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies,” lead by
UT professor Philip Brey, is working on better methods for responsible and sustainable innova-
tions. “We are training a new generation of researchers.” BY Marco Krijnsen
NEW
TECHNOLOGY
CREATES
ETHICAL
DILEM MAS
4
As a result of the rapid development of technology, a growing number of
scientists are currently focusing on the ethical side of innovations. The new
Gravitation programme that Brey supervises has colleagues from Twente,
Delft, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Wageningen and Leiden working together.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has made 17.9 million euros
available to fund the ten-year programme. This is the first programme con-
cerning philosophy to receive a contribution from the Gravitation programme.
The programme was born out of the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology
that was founded by the four technical universities. In addition to scientific
colleagues from other universities, businesses are now also taking part in the
consortium. Among the industrial partners are Philips, Google, IBM and the
Netherlands Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association.
The ethical side of biotechnology, choices. We want to clarify and Ethics committees
the impact of the internet on our direct these issues. It is then up to The central belief of the Gravitation
society, the risks of new techno the politicians to make the right programme is that new technology
logies to the climate or our health, choices.” impacts our values and standards.
the dangers of social media to The focus on sustainability, for
democracy. John de Mol suing “These past years, our field was example, is a response to the gro-
Facebook for fake ads. mainly focused on applications and wing use of fossil fuels as a result
solving various concrete problems of new innovations, says Bray.
The current public debate makes it for policy makers and businesses. “Many people don’t know this, but
clear that the innovations of the Think of e.g. how to garner more the whole concept of privacy was
past twenty years have a downside social support for sustainable ener- only developed in the nineteenth
as well. What is and is not allowed? gy or how to utilise big data in a century after the introduction of
How far can a business or the responsible manner for the well- cameras and binoculars. We are
government go? “Politicians and being of employees. There is not therefore looking at how ethical
businesses do not have all the enough coherence between the concepts change or should change
answers to the questions that new various research projects. That is as a result of the introduction of
technologies raise,” says Philip where our new programme new technology. We are also
Brey, professor of philosophy and comes in. The multidisciplinary studying how innovations impact
the ethics of technology. “Innova collaboration of the scientists in- the distinction between man and
tions may lead to a clash of values. volved in the programme has to animal or man and robot.”
Privacy versus security or sustain result in the necessary deepening
ability versus freedom. These are over the coming years.”
not only ethical but also political
5
THE VALUE OF EMOTIONS
How does technology impact our representa-
tive democracy? What other notions in our
society need to be reconsidered? The Gravi-
tation programme’s “The future of a free and
fair society” research line will focus on such
questions in the years to come.
Sabine Roeser, professor of ethics at Delft
University of Technology and one of the
coordinators of the research line, sees the
tension between our current democratic sys-
tem and new technology. “Think of the use
of geoengineering as a solution to climate
change. In doing so, you make a choice that
will impact future generations for the next More than ever, the industrial should be allowed to make such
century. At the same time, our administrative sector is aware of the ethical im- life-or-death decisions, not a
system has a short-term focus and relies on pact of an innovation. They have machine. How can we introduce
elections held every four years. We will have no choice. Concerned citizens and the necessary degree of meaning-
to revise this system, but how? How do we governments will make sure of that ful human control? As ethicists, we
substantiate our democracy?” by complaining to the IT giants of were asked to give our
the 21st century about privacy recommendations.”
In the past, Roeser conducted research into violations and threats to our demo-
the misunderstanding of moral dimensions cracy. Businesses are therefore Redesigning humankind
and emotions during the development and forming ethics committees, According to Brey, our society is
implementation of technology. “The notion appointing ethics officers and for- currently going through a crucial
of emotions is still limited. There should be a mulating strategies with regard to period. Key technologies that were
stronger focus on concerned citizens. Emoti- corporate responsibility. The ethical developed in the second half of the
ons should not be seen as a hindrance, but aspect is also being incorporated previous century, such as biomedi-
rather as a source of insight. Administrators more and more into the ISO cal technology, IT, nanotechnology,
have a tendency to say that people do not standards for businesses. neurotechnology and new mate
understand all the facts. Perhaps the reverse rials, are becoming increasingly
is true, however. Perhaps these administra- Killer robots integrated. Think of e.g. brain-com-
tors and technology developers do not ac- In light of this development, a large puter interfaces and nanomedicine.
count for the value of emotions enough.” insurance company approached “We are working to redesign hu-
Brey’s research group in Twente to mankind. People are getting diffe-
Roeser hopes that the Gravitation program- explore the responsible use of its rent bodies and minds. At the
me will have another effect as well. “Philo- insured clients’ data. This concerns same time, mankind’s environment
sophy of technology is a relatively new the combining of data pertaining to is also changing. Everything is be-
research field, especially outside the Nether- e.g. clients’ medical history and coming a technical artefact; we can
lands. When I started my career eighteen household effects for commercial even control our climate these
years ago, traditional philosophers did not purposes. Brey: “An insurance days. This far-reaching technologi-
view it as real philosophy. It is high time for company wants to play it safe and sation raises myriad new ethical
them to start thinking more about the impli- desires guidelines that govern the challenges and concerns.”
cations of technology for our field.” use of certain data. The last thing
they want is a scandal.” Another Ethicist and engineer
current research theme has to do The Gravitation programme brings
with autonomous weapon systems, three fields together: the ethics of
“The multidisciplinary the so-called killer robots. Brey: technology, ethics and philosophy
collaboration of the scientists “Should we or should we not allow in a broad sense and the technical
a robotic system to independently sciences. The collaboration with
involved in the programme has to identify its targets and use lethal the technical scientists is mainly fo-
result in the necessary deepening force? This problem has to do with cused on the integration of ethics
responsibility. Many people believe into the technical design process.
over the coming years” only members of the military This should happen sooner rather
6
DOSSIER
than later, Brey believes. That is,
during the very first stage of the
design process. “Twenty years ago,
ethics did not come into play until
after products were placed on store
shelves. That is too late, however.
At that stage, implementing any
changes will require a ton of mo-
ney and effort. It is better to tackle
this issue early on: have ethicists
and engineers sit down together at “Twenty years ago, ethics did not
an early stage to avoid problems
altogether, instead of fixing them
come into play until after products
later.” were placed on store shelves. That is
Brey does not find it surprising that
too late, however”
the UT plays a leading role in the
Gravitation programme. “Twente INNOVATION
has a tradition of collaboration
between philosophers and technici-
ans. Just look at our unique Philo-
sophy of Science, Technology and
Society master’s programme that
has been around for more than
twenty-five years. Many of our stu-
dents completed a technical ba-
chelor’s programme before
choosing a philosophical master’s
programme.”
7
IN BRIEF
BE CAREFUL WITH MACHINE LEARNING AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Johannes Schmidt-Hieber (34), the He admits that the possibilities are
youngest professor working at the amazing, but also believes that AI
University of Twente, warns that we cannot solve all our problems. “Our
should be careful with machine lear- expectations of the future of AI are
ning and artificial intelligence (AI). too positive. Scientists have to ma-
He gave his speech on Thursday nage these expectations better,”
26 September. says Schmidt-Hieber. The mathema-
tics professor from Twente analyses
the theoretical properties of machine
learning and is part of the expert
group for the Netherlands’ national
AI strategy.
ABRUPT ENDING FOR SOLAR TEAM TWENTE
For three days, Solar Team Twente venture in suitable fashion, the Red ECSENS WINS 4TU CHALLENGE
was racing at the head of the pack E did drive across the finish line in This past November, ECsens won the 4TU Impact Challenge.
in the Bridgestone World Solar Adelaide on the final day of the The start-up develops highly sensitive sensors that are used to
Challenge, held from 13 to 20 Oc- race. The team was met with loud more quickly diagnose cancer. The goal is to offer every patient a
tober in Australia, when its car, Red cheering and applause. “Our fee- tailor-made treatment. “We had to seize this opportunity,” says
E, was hit by a strong cross wind lings are mixed; we didn’t officially Pepijn Beekman, who founded the company together with fellow
that pushed it off the road and complete the race, but it did feel researcher Dilu Mathew. “It is amazing that we pulled it off.”
caused it to flip upside down. The good to drive across the finish Next year, the winners, along with representatives from the Ministry
accident abruptly killed any hope line,” race leader Annelies Dekker of Foreign Affairs and a number of businesses, will go on a trade
the solar team from Twente had of said. “Afterwards, everyone sprin- mission to the World Expo in Dubai.
winning the title. Driver Evert van ted to the fountain as hard as we
der Hoek was unharmed. The solar- could. Despite everything that hap-
powered car was unable to reach pened, that was a great way to end
the finish line on its own. this adventure.”
To conclude the team’s grand ad-
8
IN BRIEF
UNIQUE INNOVATION PROGRAMME
FOR EATHLETES
The eDivisie and the University of Twente have launched a
unique innovation programme to improve the performances of VICTOR VAN DER CHIJS PASSES ON 4TU
eAthletes. The football gamers of Feyenoord and Heracles CHAIRMANSHIP
Almelo took part in the pilot. In a special lab on campus, the This past November, Victor van der Federation to Louise O. Fresco,
project members are working to improve reaction times, insight, Chijs, president of the University of chairwoman of the board at Wage-
stress levels and spatial awareness, among other things. The Twente’s Executive Board, passed ningen University & Research
first measurement session was held on Wednesday 30 October. on the chairmanship of the 4TU. (WUR). 4TU is the cooperative
With this project, the UT and the Eredivisie are exploring new alliance between the four technical
ground in the field of combining eSports and science. universities in the Netherlands.
Van der Chijs has worked hard to
improve and bring together techni-
cal expertise in this country. “The
4TU has become a close-knit fede-
ration and I am proud to have been
part of that. Training a sufficient
number of top-quality technicians
will continue to be a daunting task
in the future. I have no doubt that
Louise will do her very best to
achieve that goal,” says Van der
Chijs.
UT ONCE AGAIN IN SECOND PLACE IN HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE
According to the Higher Education of 76 points or higher, compared to study programmes in the
Guide 2020, which was published eight in last year’s Guide. None of Netherlands that were assessed for
in November, the UT is once again the UT’s study programmes this edition of the Guide.
the second-best university in the received a failing grade. The UT Another notable fact is the number
Netherlands. With six top bachelor’s programmes Applied of social-science programmes that
programmes and an average score Physics (90), Communication earn high scores in the Guide. Half
of 68.5, the UT is second only to Studies (80), University College of the UT’s top programmes are
Wageningen University & Research. ATLAS (80), Industrial Engineering part of the BMS faculty. The UT’s
The score of 68.5 is one point and Management (78), International Psychology programme improved
higher than the UT’s score in last Business Administration (76) and its score from 56 to 70 points,
year’s Higher Education Guide. Chemical Technology (76) were all making it the best psychology
Besides the higher average rating, awarded the title of “top programme in the Netherlands,
the UT does have fewer “top programme.” according to the Higher Education More information about
programmes.” This year, there are Applied Physics is actually in joint Guide. these items can be found
six programmes with a total score second place out of all university at www.utwente.nl/en
9
PHD
RESEARCH
“For many people, losing the ability to ride
their bike is a real sacrifice”
PREVENTING
FALLS
Dutch people love to ride their bikes. Even people over sixty still like to use their bike: it is
good for their health, mobility and quality of life. However, the elderly are more prone to falling
and getting injured while cycling. Carola Engbers researched whether technology can make
cycling safer and more comfortable for the elderly. In September, she was the fiftieth doctoral
candidate at Roessingh Research & Development. BY Frederike Krommendijk PHOTOGRAPHY Frans NikkelsPHD
RESEARCH
50TH DOCTORAL CANDIDATE AT ROESSINGH RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Carola loves to ride her bike. The ne what people need, how they developed further, but Engbers
great thing about her doctoral felt about technology and how it already sees various possible
research was that it concerned a affected their mental workload. The applications. “It can not only be used
socially relevant topic. She obtained technology was developed by TNO to help the elderly, but also people
her bachelor’s degree in psychology and/or Indes and we conducted who e.g. have trouble sticking out
at the University of Twente and her many experiments in collaboration their arm.” It was clear from the
master’s degree in Groningen. “A lot with the University of Groningen.” many responses she got during and
of research had already been A test group of elderly people tried after her doctoral research that she
conducted into how to make driving out the new inventions, from dis- had picked out a socially relevant
a car safer, but very little was known plays to LED lights and vibration topic. “People were truly grateful.
about technical solutions to improve signals. “They started out on a bike Almost every week, people would
the safety of cyclists. I just on a stand in a lab environment, ask me if the system was available
happened upon this topic for my before moving to a relatively quiet yet and where they could order
doctoral research. Almost everyone test location. This was done to theirs. For many people, losing the
in my environment knew someone ensure the testers’ safety.” ability to ride their bike is a real
who had had an accident with their sacrifice. I interviewed some people
bike. It is a pressing concern,” Rear-view assistant who were no longer able to cycle for
Engbers explains. The rear-view assistant, which issues health-related reasons and they all
a warning when someone is behind felt it was a real loss. The bicycle is
Keep cycling you, was highly appreciated. “You more than a means of getting
In September, she obtained her PhD could achieve the same effect with around; it also gives people a sense
with her doctoral thesis “Keep Cy- mirrors, but the target audience does of independence and freedom.”
cling, how technology can support not always find those practical. They
safe and comfortable cycling for ol- are not very useful on bumpy roads,
der adults.” For one of the studies, in the dark or in fog. Mirrors can also
more than eight hundred people get in the way when you are trying “If the system issues a vibrating signal
over 65 filled out a survey, which to park your bike and they can break via your seat whenever someone approaches
enabled her to determine the most if your bike falls over. Furthermore,
common causes of accidents. From elderly people do not like to use such from behind, you’ll feel it right away”
these data, she identified the factors mirrors because everyone will know
that play a role in a self-reporting they need assistance to ride their
fall. The result? Elderly people living bike.” Socially relevant
in rural environments are more likely Various warning systems for the rear- These days, Carola’s work concerns
to fall off their bicycle. Other factors view assistants were tested, the treatment and reintegration of
include reduced self-confidence, including a display and a light signal people who have lost their jobs
mental limitations and advanced on the handlebars. Beforehand, because of personal injuries or
age. “For example, we discovered hardly anyone indicated that a absenteeism. “Once again, it is clear
that safety is not only about physical vibration might be an effective that having a job means much more
factors that have an inhibiting effect, warning system. In practice, to people than simply getting paid at
but that it is also about mental as- however, that proved to be the the end of the month. That feeling of
pects. If you feel comfortable on solution most people preferred. “If independence and being part of
your bike, this may contribute to a the system issues a vibrating signal society is just as important.” It is not
more comfortable riding experience via your seat whenever someone surprising that she is once again
and fewer accidents.” approaches from behind, you’ll feel it working on a socially relevant
right away. You do not have to pay theme. “It suits me. I want my work
From displays to LED attention to anything else and there to truly matter. My choice for the UT
lights is nothing to distract you, which can was partially inspired by the fact that
Technology can lend a helping hand make for a safer ride.” the research conducted in Enschede
to improve people’s self-confidence. is often application-oriented. I was
“My role as psychologist was not to Grateful also drawn to the small-scale nature
develop technology, but to determi- The technology still needs to be of the campus.”
11FUND
NEWS
Your donation to the Twente University Fund can make a real difference for a student or
alumnus, as well as for the university and the region. For these four board members, that is the
main reason behind everything they do for the fund. BY Marco Krijnsen PHOTOGRAPHY Gijs van Ouwerkerk
HELPING TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
FOR THE STUDENT FROM NEPAL
“The fund was established in 1948. Our goal has
remained the same all those years: supporting the
university. The manner in which we do that changes
over time. The fund has financed many unique chairs.
We also facilitate a large number of cultural and athletic
activities on campus, as well as scientific conventions.
The fund also acts as an intermediary for private
persons and businesses who support the UT with
named funds. One of them is the Kipaji Scholarship
Fund, which supports talented engineering students in
countries with emerging economies. I love being
involved in the process of selecting these students and
talking to them. One example is the student from Nepal
who is working on renewable energy. These are
invariably smart and highly motivated people for whom
GÉ KLEIN WOLTERINK I love to go to bat. Our hope is that the things they
UT ALUMNUS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING learn here in Twente will ultimately benefit their native
| INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT HEALTH- country.”
CARE & IT | BOARD MEMBER OF THE
TWENTE UNIVERSITY FUND SINCE 1993
THE IMPACT OF A STUDY TOU
“During my studies at the UT, I per- of sailing club Euros and study as-
sonally benefited from the Universi- sociation Stress. We received sup-
ty Fund. For example, we got port from the Fund to organise
funding for our study tour to Brazil. activities. For me, these activities
That trip left an enormous impact were just as important as my actual
on myself and my fellow students. studies.
We visited twenty to thirty local I want the same thing for today’s
businesses. This is part of the rea- students. They should be able to
son why I ended up working in in- develop themselves at the UT. That
ternational sales at Akzo Nobel after was one of the main reasons why
my graduation. I joined the University Fund’s board.
I spent twenty years with that I now serve as the jury chairman for ILONKA DE BEER
company. the Marina van Damme Scholar- UT ALUMNUS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND
During my studies, I was a member ship, among other things.” MANAGEMENT | OWNER OF SANDALFON
SUSTAINABILITY | BOARD MEMBER OF THE
TWENTE UNIVERSITY FUND SINCE 2016
12OP ZOEK NAAR DEZELFDE SKILLS
“Seventy years ago, TKH was one their responsibility. For them, a
of the founders of the University scholarship is also a great opportu-
Fund. The region had to move nity to come into contact with new
ahead, which required an institution talent. There are shortages on the
like a technical university of applied employment market and everyone
sciences. These days, the industry is looking for people with the same
is going through another develop- skills. If we all work together to
ment and has to take new steps. make the university stronger,
This happens hand in hand with the businesses will benefit as well. In
university and with people’s perso- the end, this will have a positive
nal development. We try to attract impact on the entire region, inclu-
donors to make things happen, ding the TKH Group. Although our
ranging from major research pro- organisation operates on a global
grammes to supporting a student scale, our head office is still right
who is giving a presentation at a here in Haaksbergen.”
convention. During our fundraising
WILMA VAN INGEN activities, we remind businesses of
DIRECTOR-GENERAL MANAGER OF
HOUSING CORPORATION DOMIJN |
CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE
TWENTE UNIVERSITY FUND SINCE 2017
ELLING DE LANGE
PUSH CFO AT TKH GROUP |
“During my time as director of the Chamber of Com- BOARD MEMBER OF THE
merce, during the early years of this century, I was al- TWENTE UNIVERSITY FUND
ready a board member of the University Fund. I saw just SINCE 2017
how close the ties between education, the government
and entrepreneurs are here in Twente. Together, we can
help the University of Twente grow, which is essential
to the appeal and the economic climate of the region.
That explains why our fund and the University itself
were established by people from the education, govern-
ment and business sectors in 1948.
One of my tasks as chairwoman is to hand out the
awards and scholarships that we give to students and
alumni every year. It is great to see how big of an im-
pact that can have. The tears in the eyes of the winners.
The fire that is stoked inside the other students in the
room. That is what we want. I often hear that it makes
the recipient want to work even harder. No matter how
talented you are, there comes a time in everyone’s Go to steunutwente.nl for more information
career that you find yourself struggling. An award or and an overview of all projects.
scholarship, plus the attention that comes with it, can
be the push you need at that moment.
I think we should be more open about what we do with
the donations we receive and the fact that students can SUPPORT AND DONATE!
come to us for support. We are sometimes too modest Visit www.utwente.nl/Ufonds
in that regard. It would be great if the University Fund
was clearly visible on campus in some way. Students
would see that we are there for them. When students
think back fondly on their time in Twente, it will be for
the good of the region. Perhaps that will allow us to
create a braingain, rather than a braindrain.”
13INTERVIEW
EDUCATION
UT LEC T U RER O F T H E YE A R I P E K S E YR A N TO PAN
It was her mother who showed her how to grab the attention of an entire room full of students. Her little girl
encouraged her to compete for the title of UT Lecturer of the year 2019. Ipek Seyran Topan is proud of the title.
“It is a great honour and a great responsibility.” BY Frederike Krommendijk PHOTOGRAPHY Frans Nikkels
Her colleagues Erwin Hans and Elke van der Veen What are their backgrounds, what pre-existing knowledge
encouraged her to compete for the title of UT lecturer of do they possess, what are their interests? I put myself in
the year after she had been selected as the best lecturer their shoes: how would I like to be taught? I also try to
of the International Business Administration programme. inject some humour and avoid repeating myself. That
At first, Topan did not want to take on that additional keeps things fun for me as well. Most importantly, I care
challenge, until her daughter saw the big, shiny trophy about my students.”
in her office. “Can you win another one, mummy?” she
asked. It was just the encouragement she needed to She has inherited her love of the job from her mother, who
throw her name in the hat for the UT-wide title. worked as a chemical engineer in Turkey. “When I was
young, she brought me along to the university of applied
Together with her husband Engin, Ipek first came to the sciences where she worked and told me to sit quietly in
UT three years ago. Before that, they had both worked the back. I would watch her and hang on every word.
in Eindhoven for four years. She had never dreamed of Confident, full of conviction, her voice, her body language.
winning this title. “After the encouragement from my She was the best lecturer I have ever seen. Later in life,
colleagues and my daughter, I decided to sign up after I wanted to become an industrial engineer myself. During
all. First, we had to write an essay, after which there my master’s programme and my PhD, I got a job as a tea-
were seven candidates left. After a miniature ten-minute ching assistant. I grew so much as a person during those
lecture, there were only three left and I was in the finals. eight years. It motivated me to see every seat filled with
We were asked to teach a brief lecture and the jury en- enthusiastic students during my tutorials.”
ded up choosing me. I was incredibly happy.”
Compared to the students in her home country, she finds
She has learned that there is also a downside to her the students in the Netherlands to be positively critical.
new-found fame. “Students expect more from me now. “They do not blindly accept your every word. They think
However, I will keep doing my job just like I have always for themselves and are independent. When I give them
done it. Some students get nervous and think they have feedback, they process it and sometimes go one step
to work harder now. That is not necessary at all. I am further. Some people might call it stubbornness, but I
still the same person.” think it is a good thing that they are slightly critical.”
The secret At the UT, she now spends three days a week teaching
Colleagues ask Ipek, who works as a guest lecturer, and two days on her work as a post-doctoral researcher.
about the secret of her success. “Apparently, I am the After they have put their daughter to bed for the night,
first guest lecturer to ever win this title. What makes a Engin and Ipek often return to their work. “There is never
good lecturer? I always think about who my audience is. enough time. It is hard to find the right balance between
education and research. The workload is quite high at
universities as well. We sometimes work up to sixty hours
a week. I don’t mind that much, though. I love my job.
If I can inspire even a single student in every group and
they go and inspire another, my work will have been
meaningful.”
14
I CARE ABOUINTERVIEW
EDUCATION
“I always think about
who my audience is, put myself
in their shoes and try to
inject some humour”
UT MY STUDENTS 15ACTIVE
STUDENT
“I think I joined
a different association
every year or so”
I WANT TO MAKE THE MOST
OF MY STUDENT YEARS
What Jiska Chang does when she isn’t working on her Industrial Engineering
and Management studies? A better question would be what she doesn’t do. University Council and Jiska accep-
The twenty-four-year-old was and is a member of various committees, she is the ted, of course. She was involved in
the discussion about the abolition of
president of the party for The Ambitious Student and she organised the Kick-In the 0-15 EC regulation of the Twents
and TEDx. This past October, she received the “More Than a Degree Award” for educational model. “That model re-
quires students to earn fifteen ECTS
her activism. BY Frederike Krommendijk PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Brinkhorst credits every quarter. If they fail to do
so, they end up with nothing. It led
When Jiska, now a seventh-year eople at the university.” She also
p to enormous workloads and kept
student, walked around the UT’s plays hockey with the Drienerlose people from getting involved in com-
campus for the first time, she was Hockey Club and dances at 4 happy mittees in addition to their studies.
sold. “The whole atmosphere, the feet. Now that the regulation has been
small-scale nature of it all. I am from In her third year, she opted for a full- scrapped, the programme’s curricu-
Alphen aan de Rijn, so Enschede time administrative year. She orga- lum has to be updated. We are cur-
was perhaps not the most logical nised the Kick-In for bachelor rently discussing that issue in the
choice, but everything felt right here. students and the winter edition for Industrial Engineering and Manage-
I also loved the fact that there are so master and exchange students. ment programme committee. I sim-
many opportunities available to you “During my fourth year, things got a ply like being involved in things and
in addition to your studies. You can little out of hand. We wanted to or- protecting students’ interests.”
truly do anything you want here.” ganise a festival, Taste of Summer, She is also still involved in the Kick-In
to bring businesses and students as part of the Advisory Board and
To help her meet new people, she closer together. That didn’t work out, the transport crew. “No women had
immediately joined a study associa probably because our plans were ever joined that crew because it is
tion and a committee. “Almost all too ambitious. At the UT, it can be such hard work. After the first time,
first-year students do that. It is a hard to get people excited about the men had to admit that I had done
great way to get involved and make something new. That was a learning a better job than they had expected.”
new friends.” Before long, her experience for me.” Not to worry: It should come as no surprise that
enthusiasm inspired her to join two Jiska joined the new daily manage- Jiska is now head of this crew...
other committees as well. ment team of the Borrelbeheer
Zilverling Foundation, a time during Nevertheless, she is taking it relati-
It marked the beginning of an im- which the drinks rooms were heavily vely easy this year. “My other activi-
pressive list of positions that she held remodelled. The year after that, she ties never really got in the way of my
over the years. “Many students join helped organise TEDxTwente. “I studies, but there were some years
one study association and stay with thought that would be my last event where things got a bit out of hand. I
that group for the rest of their stu- and a great way to wrap it all up.” am passionate about organising
dent years. I think I joined a different things. I am not doing this because it
association every year or so. I like In reality, things turned out quite dif- will look good on my CV or anything.
getting to know a lot of different ferently. DAS asked her to join the I just love trying out new things.”
16COLUMN
THE MOST SOCIAL UNIVERSITY
Next year, the University of Twente informed about science or given the
will start a new experiment that has opportunity to think about the big
to do with bringing science and picture from a distance. Instead,
society together. In collaboration they are actively involved in the
with Saxion University of Applied execution of the research itself.
Sciences, we are opening a
CitizenLab. This lab will be a home In late November, I got to give the
base for Citizen Science: scientific opening lecture of the World
research conducted in collaboration Science Forum in Budapest, where
with citizens. I stated that this development
towards Citizen Science is essential
Initially, the focus will be on for the sustainable future of
questions concerning healthcare, science. After all, the relationship
well-being and health, using the between science and society is
facilities available in the recently quite paradoxical. On the one hand,
opened TechMed Centre and the science requires independence: in
DesignLab. For the TopFit project, order to uncover the truth and open
which involves six people from the up critical perspectives, scientists
UT and six from Saxion, citizens will must be given the freedom to
conduct research into “positive pursue their curiosity without being
“THERE ARE TWO HEARTS
health.” Patients will, for example, held back by outside influences. On BEATING IN THE WORLD OF
take part in research that concerns the other hand, science demands SCIENCE, WHICH CAN BE UNITED
their own illness and treatment, involvement: education and
employees will examine their research impact our society and we BY BRINGING TOGETHER SOCIETY
employment conditions and the must take responsibility for that AND SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE”
social and ethical questions impact.
pertaining to the research will not
be introduced by experts in a top- Together with Responsible Design,
down manner, but are instead Citizen Science is an important
studied in a bottom-up fashion in answer to this paradox. There are
close collaboration with citizens. two hearts beating in the world of
science, which can be united by
Citizen Science represents a new bringing together society and
phase in the socialisation of scientific practice.
science. The classic view of science
as an Ivory Tower, raised high above There is a reason why the University
society, has long since been of Twente plays such a central role
abandoned. These past decades, in this development. Uniting
science communication, the science and society has always
utilisation of knowledge and been an important aspect of our
economic impact have become university’s identity. Our new slogan
standard terms in the debate about is therefore “People First,” which
science. Even the programming of complements the familiar “High
the research is opening up. The Tech, Human Touch.” People come
National Research Agenda, which first in everything we do. I think it is
was inspired by society, is clear a wonderful ambition to also PROF. DR. ENGR. P.P.C.C. (PETER-PAUL)
evidence of that. Citizen Science include our planet and all its VERBEEK (1970) IS PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY
represents the next step of this inhabitants in this. OF MAN AND TECHNOLOGY AND UNIVERSITY
development. Citizens are not only PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE.
17ENTREPRE-
NEURSHIP
SEASONED CHIP DESIGNER AND HIGHTECH ENTREPRENEUR
He runs chip manufacturer AnSem in Enschede. He teaches workshops about
emotional strength development. He visualises technology with his artwork.
Alumnus Clemens Mensink about personal development, looking ahead and making
sculptures. BY Wiebe van der Veen PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Brinkhorst
SWITCHING
BETWEEN SKILLS
At AnSem, located at Kennispark been taken over by the American
Twente, around fifteen people work organisation Teledyne DALSA, al
hard on the development of chips. though it is still based in Enschede.
“If I could, I would hire ten more,” The region is now home to several
Clemens Mensink says. Good desig- of such design agencies. Mensink
ners are hard to find. That explains has either worked there himself or
why he pushed so hard to get the he is intimately familiar with them:
Leuven-based company to open a “It is like a big family.”
new location in Twente a few years
ago. It is located at walking distance Sharing one’s vision
from UT professor Bram Nauta’s In the evening, we encounter
Integrated Circuit Design department Clemens on campus in the Vrijhof.
and therefore close to that scarce He is teaching a workshop on ESD.
talent. “To find good chip designers, Has he returned to the world of
you have to go to Twente or Leuven,” technology? Doesn’t ESD stands
Mensink says. “Everyone else is for “electrostatic discharge,” like
lagging behind.” what happens when you take off a
wool sweater? The kind of dischar-
Dynamic world ge that can be very harmful to a
AnSem is a so-called “fabless chip? No, the workshop is about
design house:” an agency that “Emotional Strength Development.”
designs chips, but does not produ- That is curious to say the least for
ce them. Its designers are working such an experienced chip designer
18Clemens Mensink (right)
presents his artwork to
director Wolter Hoekman
of Elect Hightech Electro-
nics from Weerselo.
and high-tech entrepreneur. “I was men and women. What else can it seeks to convey his love for techno-
interested in this even when I was be?” He also makes good use of logy. Sometimes, he works together
still a student. I try to look far ahead the work of Stephen Covey, about with the UT’s Creative Technology
into the future, preferably twenty one’s “personal voice.” The work- students. He has just finished a
years or more. I consider personal shop is structured in an almost sys- kind of demo table. The plexiglass
development to be a prerequisite if tematic manner that is well suited
you want to achieve something. to a designer’s mindset. Although
Doctoral research, for example, was
not a way for me to enter the world
Mensink does not like to talk about
“soft skills,” he does go into drive,
“To find good chip designers, you have
of science, but rather a means to passion, vision and goals. Mensink to go to Twente or Leuven”
create a better starting position for wants to convey that, as long as
myself. At an early age, I decided to you have your own long-term vision
eventually - once I turned fifty or so and are aware of the choices you tabletop is not supported by any old
- share these insights so they might make, everyday concerns are un frame of black tubes: it is shaped
help others. That time has now likely to get the better of you. like the symbol for an MOS transis-
come. I have already given lectures “I implement that same philosophy tor, the most important building
and am now experimenting with a on the work floor. Of course, things block in electronics. Elect Hightech
series of three workshops.” might go wrong, but does that Electronics from Weerselo decided
He opens the first of these three really jeopardise your goal?” to buy the piece from him and give it
workshops with a quote from Albert a prominent position near their buil-
Einstein, which ties in well with the Imagination ding’s entrance. A co-worker coming
UT’s own “people first” approach: Besides the workshops, Mensink to check out the installation recogni-
“We are men and women, serving creates sculptures with which he ses the inside joke right away.
19IN THE LAB
In the lab, students from different
study programmes lose themselves
in so-called collaborative games.
The goal is to learn to collaborate,
not to win. That is a form of team
building that suits the DesignLab “All disciplines come together in DesignLab.
well, says Van der Voort, who is
running the meeting. She is one of
Philosophers sit next to industrial designers, civil
the people behind DesignLab, engineers and Business Information Technology
which was established five years
ago. “It is related to my Human
experts. We also have psychologists”
Centred Design chair. The primary
question is how to involve stakehol-
ders in order to address and resolve
social issues. The answer is brin-
ging them together and letting
them think and talk about what
needs to be done, each from their
own perspective.”
In DesignLab, users go through
various stages of the design
process together, from formulating
the problem to developing and
evaluating ideas. These users are
not only the UT’s own students and
researchers, but also outside
parties: representatives from
businesses, governments and
NGOs.
The DesignLab is more than a
physical location. It is an ecosystem
in which researchers and students
from all faculties work on social
issues. DesignLab also offers
cross-faculty education in the form
of the new master-insert “Shaping
Responsible Futures,” an extra
six-month programme that
complements a regular master’s
programme. Van der Voort: “Here,
students acquire the skills and
attitude they need to become
responsible leaders of societal
change.”
BY Marco Krijnsen
PHOTOGRAPHY Frans Nikkels
20Name Mascha van der Voort
Age 45
Position Professor of Human Centred
Design (Engineering Technology
faculty) and scientific co-director
DesignLab
Lab DesignLab, in the The Gallery
building
21DREAM
AND DEED
OLD DEMONS ARE RETURNING TO THE DEBATE
CHERISH TH
“We must all make sure
together that we can recognise evil
when we see it”
22In his youth, he wanted to become a fighter pilot and baseball player, but today he is a
member of the cabinet of Frans Timmermans, the European Commission’s First Vice President.
UT alumnus Tony Agotha feels like a fish in water in Brussels. “It’s a completely different
environment, but I learned so much here.” BY Ditta op den Dries PHOTOGRAPHY Uli Schillebeeckx
E FREEDOM
No, his move to Brussels was not seven colleagues, but they all have deadlines are steadily approaching.
planned. Twenty-two years ago, a national shadow hanging over He says they have all been working
Tony Agotha believed he would end their heads, including the political as fast as they can since Frans Tim-
up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ colour of their Commissioner. When mermans was appointed as the new
International Security department, a vital national interest is at stake, European Commissioner for Climate.
but he chose the EU instead. you try to make sure your cause is Timmermans will be in charge of
“That’s how it goes in this business. heard and considered as fairly as overseeing a new Green Deal for
Without you even realising it, one possible. Everyone does that. It can Europe. It will be about protecting
position leads you to the next. I had therefore take a while for the Com- the environment, improving people’s
been home from Brussels for a year mission to draw up a new law. well-being and preserving a healthy
and was getting ready for the new However, once that law has been planet for future generations. They
season at the Ministry of Foreign written and accepted by the Parlia- also want to live up to the promise
Affairs’ European Integration De- ment and the Member States, the of making Europe the first climate-
partment (DIE). When I came back decision will apply throughout the neutral continent in the world by
from holiday in 2014, my director entire EU, thereby impacting the the year 2050. Timmermans will be
called me into his office. ‘You are lives of five hundred million people. responsible for climate, but he also
team C,’ he said. ‘You must handle That never ceases to amaze me. oversees policies pertaining to e.g.
Frans Timmermans’ transition to My time at the Ministry of Foreign agriculture, transport, energy and
the European Commission.’ I was Affairs and now with the Commissi- environment and oceans.
surprised, but it sounded like an ex- on have also taught me how demo-
citing job and an opportunity to work cracy develops. It is rarely a straight It is up to Agotha and his colleagues
with an interesting politician. Of line up; there are sideways and in the cabinet to give Timmermans
course, I knew Frans Timmermans sometimes downward movements the relevant information he needs to
as a state secretary and Minister of as well. To someone who grew up help him set these policies. “Tim-
Foreign Affairs and we had worked when the Berlin Wall came down, it mermans has a relatively small and
together a few times already.” is a revelation that democracy is not highly diverse group of people be-
an inevitability in the 21st century.” hind him. “We have many different
Now, years later, Agotha finds that nationalities and backgrounds, yet
he is still learning a lot in Brussels. Green Deal we all share the passion and energy
“I was familiar with the Belgian He has limited time set aside for this to help bring this Green Deal to frui-
capital as a result of our Permanent interview, because he still has so tion. We prepare dossiers, urgently
Representation in the EU, but now much work to do. They are in a tran- appeal to the Commission services,
I get to see how the European sitional period and waiting for the write talking points, maintain con-
Commission operates from the in- European Parliament to approve the tacts with the European Parliament
side, like a political crow’s nest. The new Von der Leyen Commission. and the Member States and interact
Commission table seats twenty- Meanwhile, work continues and with the media.”
23ren, I see they are much more
serious, realistic and conscious
when it comes to their choice of
study programme and their future.”
To this day, he is still glad that his
mother gave him that tip. “The
European Commission is home to
many excellent lawyers and econo-
mists. They are specialists. When
you are dealing with specifics, they
cannot be bested. However, with my
background in Public Administration
and my experience as a diplomat
For a top European politician, it can with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
get lonely at the top. This is Timmer- I like to see the big picture and the
mans’ second top position within connections. I did not leave the UT
the EC and he needs people to help with a single hammer, but with a
him perform his duties. “Frans toolbox full of invaluable tools.
Timmermans has a clear vision of That has paid off countless times
his own; he does not need us for throughout my career.”
that. On top of that, he has an un-
rivalled ability to express this vision. Dream
We often spar with him to get the A while back, Agotha gave a talk at
focus right and sharpen the blade, his eleven-year-old son’s school. He
as it were.” told them that they have things to
do in this world. They have to stand
In early October, Tony Agotha briefly up against injustice wherever it rears
returned to the UT, where he studied its ugly head, whether it concerns
Public Administration from 1990 the climate, women’s rights or world
until 1995. He was invited to give an peace. He conveys that same mes-
AlumniTalk. He did not write his sage to the young students who visit
speech on paper. He didn’t need to. him at the European Commission in
“I started by painting a picture of Brussels. “Cherish what you have.
global politics. What does Europe Cherish the freedom. Do not allow
stand for, what values and standards evil to gain the upper hand. It is our
does the EU employ and what does responsibility to keep doing that, be-
Europe have to offer in the future? cause old demons are returning to
For me, that kind of speech needs the debate. Hate speech. Illibera-
no preparation,” he says. lism. Discrimination. Anti-Semitism.
The generation who lived through
the Second World War is almost
“I did not leave the UT with a gone. We must all make sure toge-
single hammer, but with a toolbox ther that we can recognise evil when
we see it and then rise up against it
full of invaluable tools” and let our voices be heard.”
Public Administration Agotha asked his son’s classmates if
To Agotha, his recent return to the they got the message. “Yes, now it’s
UT felt a bit like coming home. “The our turn,” said one girl. That piece of
feeling and the atmosphere were wisdom gave Agotha hope. His big-
still the same and the environment gest dream is that his own children
looks just like the old days, but I – no, all children everywhere – can
hardly recognised the modern Vrij- find their way in this hard world and
hof with its new appearance near make it a better place to live. “There
the entrance and the cafeteria. is nothing I want more for them than
Luckily, the large theatre room and that.”
the small room where Broodje
24BUSINESS
SCHOOL PLD
Professional Learning & Development is about applying scientific expertise in practice and
combining it with your own issues and experiences. Acquiring new knowledge and inspiration,
exchanging experiences and expanding your network are the foundation of our study
programmes for professionals and managers. Our programmes are centred around the
specialisations of Public Management and Risk Management. TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY PLD
PROFESSIONAL
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
We offer the following types of study programme:
• Part-time master’s with a duration of 2.5 years
• Master classes of eight to twelve weeks
• In-company programmes
“Almost all modules resulted Public Management master’s programme
The Public Management master’s programme is the
in practical knowledge and perfect part-time programme for (prospective) managers,
recommendations that I was able to supervisors and administrators in the public sector. The
goal of the Public Management master’s programme is
put into practice immediately” to offer you up-to-date knowledge at an academic level
and challenge you to acquire new insights and skills.
This will optimally prepare you to successfully perform
a strategic and supervisory role in the public sector.
Risk Management master’s programme
For professionals and managers, it is essential to be
familiar with the comprehensive field of risk manage-
ment. This Risk Management programme enables you
to develop and implement a successful vision at the
strategic level. This master’s programme offers up-to-
date and integral insight into how to deal with corporate
and social risks.
How well are you protected against
cybercrime?
Cybercrime and cybersecurity have become deeply
embedded in our modern society. Learn effective and
realistic ways to deal with relevant uncertainties that
may get in the way of your organisational goals and
ambitions - or reinforce them.
Frank van der Knaap, manager business operations metropolitan
region Rotterdam The Hague. This master course consists of six two-day seminars,
spread across a six-month period. The focus of the
programme is on concrete cases brought in by the
participants. With the help of analytical modelling (SARA,
Diamond model) and risk modelling, measures are drawn
up in a preventative manner, which participants can then
utilise in their own professional context.
25IN BRIEF
“MORE EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS DO NOT HAVE
TO LEAD TO MORE EXTREME DISASTERS”
In the years to come, governments of Twente, he holds the Prinses
and businesses will invest Margriet chair, where his mission is
hundreds of billions of euros in the to “increase the resilience against
development and implementation natural disasters and climate
of measures designed to protect change.” As director of the Red
us against the effects of climate Cross Climate Centre, a global
change or to slow down or even team of thirty-five experts, it is
reverse said climate change. his job to support the Red Cross
Climate scientist Maarten van Aalst with its efforts to provide (climate)
is researching how best to use this disaster relief to vulnerable people
money. On 13 September, he gave all over the world, for example
his inaugural speech. by linking global science to local
practice. “When I look back later, I
Van Aalst performs a double role. hope to see that my efforts actually
As a professor with the ITC Faculty helped reduce mortality rates and
of Geo-information Science and human suffering.”
Earth Observation at the University
ARTIST WANTED
The UT is soliciting applications for an “iconic artwork”
to commemorate the University’s sixtieth anniversary in
2021. The new creation will be placed in an as-yet
undetermined yet prominent location and there is a
“serious budget” available for its design.
The Campus Art Advisory Committee (CAAC), established
in 2018, will oversee the art project. The committee’s goal
is to add a major outdoor art piece to the campus every
anniversary year. In its open call, the CAAC has asked
artists to submit their project proposals before the end of
this year. The artwork is intended to make the anniversary
year of 2021 even more special. Artists have to keep one
thing in mind: a reference to or connection with techno-
logy is preferred.
26You can also read
