Choose your theme and focus on impactful topics like, energy transition, climate adaptation, biobased building solutions, circular economy, marine biobased chemistry, HZenzor, water technology or food innovation. Whether you prefer working individually or in a group, you'll improve your research skills while contributing to initiatives such as the Green Office, Sensor Boat, and more.

When you choose the Applied Research Track, you will work in close collaboration with HZ researchers on a range of relevant topics. You practice your applied research skills and gain expertise in cases that require urgent and valuable knowledge.

There are different research topics  you can choose from:

• Semester 1 the options are
  Energy Transition
  Biobased building
  Circulair Economy
  Marine Biobased Chemistry
  HZenzor
  Climate Adaption
  Food Innovation
  Innovation in Education

• Semester 2 the options are
  Water technology
  Biobased building
  Circulair Economy
  Marine Biobased Chemistry
  HZenzor
  Climate Adaption
  Food Innovation
  Innovation in Education

Not every research topic is available each semester. If you’re interested in a particular topic, you should contact the assigned contact person to arrange a meeting and confirm that the researcher has an active project you can join. If more students are interested in a topic than there are projects available, the researcher may hold an interview round to determine the best fit.

Structure of the minor
Instead of traditional classes, you’ll benefit from weekly coaching sessions where you can openly share ideas, progress, and challenges. In addition, hands-on workshops will support your professional growth and provide valuable insights into personal leadership and development.

In the Applied Research track, you'll have two dedicated coaches to support your journey. A Research Coach & a Garage coach.

Information about the research topics
Energy Transition
During this applied research project you learn more about financial, social, technical and creative aspects of energy transition. Solutions to achieve the energy transition are complex and stakeholders often have conflicting interests. With a multidisciplinary team of 3 or 4 students, you will learn to approach solutions from different areas of expertise and perspectives.

Water Technology
In this research project, you will contribute to developing techniques to (re)use water as efficiently as possible. This includes recycling surface water and process water for industries, agriculture and aquaculture. But also recovering valuable (food) substances from waste water, and managing and monitoring water purification plants. You will conduct your research in collaboration with fellow students and researchers.

Biobased Building
In the Biobased Building Research project, you conduct research into (new) biobased materials and into the health claims related to these innovations. In this way, you contribute to the expansion and improvement of existing biobased building materials. Depending on your assignment, you will, for example, test product ideas, develop new products or research new application possibilities.

Circular Economy
In the project Circular Economy you work on the challenge to make the HZ outside spaces more green and attractive, whilst applying materials that contribute to a circular economy. For example, you can make proposals for new planting, make the space suitable for studying, relaxing and meeting, or work in the food forest. You ensure that the required materials are circular and put forward ideas on how food and materials can be (re)used within HZ.

Marine Biobased Chemistry
The Marine Biobased Chemistry research group uses chemical knowledge to investigate marine resources, for example to shape the food transition in Zeeland. Together with your project group, you can work on the applications of seaweed, delve into protein transition, or develop food packaging. There are also chemistry projects, for instance to analyse flavour and odour compounds. You will learn how to tackle complex research, design experiments, analyse data and present research results.

HZenzor
To conduct water quality research, the HZ has two self-steering sensor boats: HZenzor 1 and HZenzor 2. The two-metre-long boats are a platform full of measuring equipment. In the HZenzor project, you will improve navigation using waypoints. You will make and implement suggestions on mechatronics and programming. Together with a team of fellow students, you will extensively test the adjustments. In the future, the boats should be able to self-steer and take independent measurements of water quality.

Climate Adaptation
Together with the Resilient Deltas research group, you will work on projects that contribute to a climate-resilient living environment in the delta. The research focuses on climate adaptation and flood risk management. Various fields of expertise come together during the research project, including water management, risk analysis and spatial planning & design.

Food innovation
Dive into the world of food innovation and explore the future of sustainable and innovative food solutions in the Zeeland region. By choosing this research topic, you’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from discovering new uses for regional ingredients to tackling challenges in food production, processing, and sustainability. Collaborate with local stakeholders, enhance your research skills, and contribute to shaping the future of food in Zeeland!

Innovation in education
The research group Excellence and Innovation in Education deals with issues in education from pre-school education to higher education. Social developments such as increasing digitalisation, an ageing population and globalisation call for innovative solutions. This is how we keep education future-proof. Such issues can be approached from many different disciplines. In an interdisciplinary group, you will work on a current issue in education.

• The student critically analyzes the principles of regeneration and integrates this knowledge into both personal and professional development. The student actively applies regenerative thinking by engaging in concrete activities, demonstrating growth through reflection in alignment with the Inner Development Goals (IDGs).
• The student systematically investigates and justifies choices when analyzing a problem from different perspectives. The student explores and structures an applied research approach, demonstrating the ability to critically engage with relevant stakeholders, theories, models, and methodologies. Based on these insights, the student develops a well-founded research plan ensuring clarity, coherence, and relevance. Through reflection and feedback, the student refines their approach before proceeding to the next phase.
• The student systematically collects and processes research data. They critically analyze and synthesize findings, demonstrating the ability to interpret, validate, and evaluate results, justify methodological choices, and draw substantiated conclusions. Through structured reporting and sharing findings and recommendations, the student contributes to knowledge development within their field. Additionally, the student reflects on their research process and professional growth, showing adaptability and critical self-assessment in refining their approach.

This minor is open to students from all programmes at all universities of applied sciences.

You must have completed the propedeuse and 30 credits in the main phase.

This is an English language minor but there may be possibilities for Dutch projects depending upon the theme you choose and the researcher you contact.

There is no mandatory literature for this minor. Various sources and books are available in the HZ Studio for your project. Additionally, information will be shared via Learn.

This minor does not have a fixed schedule, but it is recommended to be present at your research group’s office at least one day per week. This provides better insight into the projects, tasks, and responsibilities and helps you connect with the team. The minor follows a hybrid format, meaning you are present in the HZ Studio for at least four half-days per week, while the remaining hours are arranged with your team for remote or online work.

- Portfolio (30%)
- Interview (70%)

HZ has study programmes in Vlissingen and Middelburg. Students from all over the world study here. We think it is important that you get the best out of yourself and develop your talents. At HZ, you matter.

Do you have any questions? Or would you like to discuss whether this minor suits you? We will be happy to help. You can contact Jessica Borgs at garage@hz.nl.