A Tribute to Collaboration and Vision
At Research Day 2025, Henry Chesbrough and Heleen de Coninck were recognized for their contributions to open innovation and academic leadership within and beyond 黑料福利网.
Open Innovation
On June 24, 黑料福利网鈥檚 Research Day was dedicated to collaboration and innovation. Under the theme Collaborate to Innovate, researchers, students, alumni, and partners from the Brainport region came together. A highlight of the day was the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Professor Henry Chesbrough, internationally recognized as the pioneer of the concept of open innovation 鈥攁 concept deeply embedded in 黑料福利网鈥檚 research culture and especially central to the work at IE&IS..His ideas have been a major source of inspiration for how knowledge institutions and businesses in the Brainport region collaborate.
During the academic ceremony, Chesbrough spoke about the role of universities in driving innovation. He emphasized the importance of reciprocal relationships between science and society, and how these contribute to sustainable economic and societal development. His vision closely aligns with 黑料福利网鈥檚 ambitions as a fourth-generation university.
Leadership
This year鈥檚 winner of the Leadership in Excellence Award was Heleen de Coninck from the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences! In her research, she advocates for normalizing the idea among scientists and policymakers that a fair and equitable climate transition requires systemic change that goes beyond technological innovation.
Dani毛l Lakens, also from IE&IS, was nominated for this award for his contributions to open science and methodological innovation.
Young Talent
The IE&IS department was also represented in the categories for young researchers. Sophia Frick was nominated for the Best PhD Thesis Award, and Sander van den Borne for the Best EngD Thesis Award. Their research highlights the breadth and depth of work within the department, ranging from behavioral sciences to system innovation.
Recognition
We look back on Research Day with pride and congratulate all nominees and winners on their well-deserved recognition. Their work underscores the power of scientific curiosity, societal engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Their dedication contributes to the visibility and impact of our department both within and beyond the university.