Applied Research

Students in the Applied Research Track will collaborate with HZ researchers, industry stakeholders, and experts to tackle real-world challenges. They will develop applied research skills, execute project plans, and contribute valuable insights to ongoing studies. Through teamwork and professional guidance, students will enhance their research capacity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration—gaining experience that directly impacts the field and benefits future participants.

The minor consists of 2 20 week period and follows the applied research process. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive understanding and execution of the chosen research project.

Process & Procedure

When you choose the Applied Research Track, you will work in close collaboration with HZ researchers on a range of relevant topics. You will practice your applied research skills and gain expertise in cases that require urgent and valuable knowledge resulting from empirical studies. The topics to chose from may vary every now and then but the following topics are the most chosen;

📌 Semester 1

Energy Transition
Biobased Building
Circular Economy
Marine Biobased Chemistry
HZenzor
Climate Adaptation
Food Innovation
Innovation in Education

📌 Semester 2

Water Technology
Biobased Building
Circular Economy
Marine Biobased Chemistry
HZenzor
Climate Adaptation
Food Innovation
Innovation in education

Every topic has a linked researcher or lector who is the expert on the topic and who will guide the student throughout a project. When a student choose a specific theme that matches their interest, the student will first plan in an introduction meeting with the linked researcher and whenever a project is available and the match was made and in some cases with multiple interest from students, a group was formed, the project can start.

What students will learn throughout their projects, no matter the topic they choose, is an awful lot. They will..

Work on and gain experience in a real applied research project. Multiple stakeholders and experts will collaborate with the students so together solutions can be found for the challenges they encounter. Student's contribution will be of direct use to the stakeholders involved and moreover, future minor participants will most likely build on the work that's already been done.

Learn to develop a project plan and experience how to execute this, either in a team or individually. In other words, students will further develop professional skills like executing a project, collaborating with experts and professionals and taking responsibility.

Contribute to the project with their own expertise and knowledge. Moreover, they will learn from and collaborate with (young) professionals from various fields of expertise and with different responsibilities. This enables students to gain experience in their future work field, as the job market requires not only specialists but also generalists with a critical eye and a proactive attitude.

Coaching & Collaboration

Each project group in the Applied Research Track is assisted by two coaches. A research coach from the linked researcher or lector from an HZ research department and one HZ garage coach.

The HZ research coach will provide knowledge and their expertise on the topic chosen. With him/her students meet bi-weekly for an hour to discuss the research progress and next actions to be taken.

The HZ garage coach who will support student's personal development and will help to reflect on their own and their team's performance. The Garage coach is available for update meetings during the week and will attend monthly meetings with the research coach as well.