RUN-EU Circular Society Event: Innovation Meets Regions 2026

As Leader of the Bioeconomy International Research Group, Dr. Pakkarinen brings together researchers, educators, and industry to turn knowledge into action. Her work bridges science and practice, local challenges and global ambitions — always with a clear vision for a more sustainable future. 

8:30 - 9:00 Walk-in 

09:00 - 9.15 Welcome by (deputy) mayor  Abel Reitsma 

09:15 - 9:35 Key Note Speaker Waste 

With practice-oriented AI research, waste is not only processed more intelligently, but valuable data is also generated that directly contributes to sustainable solutions. Klaas Dijkstra tells you alla bout the techniques and how it helps to recycle waste.   

09:35 - 09:55 Key Note Speaker Water 

How can we ensure that we do not waste water unnecessarily? And how can we use advanced technologies to provide the growing global population with (clean) water? The Water Technology research group is seeking answers to these questions. Luewton Agostinho will tell you all about his research.  

09:55 - 10:15 Key Note Speaker Plastic 

From a cardiac catheter and seat belt to cavity wall insulation — a world without plastics is hard to imagine. Plastics will continue to play an essential role in our society in the coming decades. That is why it is necessary to use fewer raw materials, redesign products, and recycle them in a high-quality way. Vincent Voet will take you through his research on plastic recycling. 

10:15 - 10:45 Break  

10:45 - 11:15 Choose your workshop 

• Exhibition of Tech: Vision Lab 

  Computer vision is all about the visual perception of the world using image-processing algorithms. The goal is typically to automatically analyze object properties across a wide range of contexts. In this lab, we will show you several applications. 

• Exhibition of Tech: Techniek Lab Plastic 

  A visit to the plastics lab: To fully close the plastics loop, a mix of recycling methods is needed. The lab uses hyperspectral imaging to detect and sort different types of plastics. 

• Caroussel Topical - Waste 

  The textile industry is known as one of the most polluting industries in the world, and textile recycling is still lagging behind. To address this challenge, we collaborate with partners such as NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences on innovative techniques within the Hyperspectral Imaging of Textiles project.

  Currently, only 1% of all textile is recycled. We will explain how, through this project, we aim to increase that percentage. 

• Caroussel Topical - Water 

• Caroussel Topical - Plastic 

  The Wad Gaat Om programme focuses on reducing plastic pollution in the Wadden Sea area — along the coast, in the water, and on the islands — through a circular approach. The emphasis is on reuse, natural materials, and systemic change. Governments, entrepreneurs, nature organisations, educational institutions, designers, visitors, and residents join forces to work together towards a Wadden region with less plastic pollution. In this workshop, we will share more about our approach. 

• Caroussel General: Design Based Way of Working 

  NHL Stenden's Design-Based Way of Working (DBE) is a student-centered, hands-on educational concept focusing on real-world challenges, co-creation with companies and researchers, and Design Thinking principles to develop practical, innovative solutions, moving from understanding problems to prototyping and applying solutions, fostering professional identity, and international outlook. In this workhop we shw you how we work design based.  

• Caroussel General: Workshop on Behavior & Circularity 

  We are facing major challenges in our society: the transition to a circular economy, the energy transition, a new perspective on health, and the digitalisation of nearly every aspect of our lives. At the same time, issues such as inequality, population decline, and mobility are putting pressure on our communities. These transitions require not only technological and policy-driven solutions, but also a shift in the mindset and behaviour of individuals, companies, institutions, and governments. This is precisely where communication plays a key role. 

• Caroussel General: Funding Information Session 

  What developments are we seeing in (European) funding programmes? And what are the key requirements for a successful application? Our subsidy consultants specialise in supporting organisations in obtaining grants. Here, you will receive the latest information and important tips and tricks for preparing a strong application. 

• Caroussel General: Visit to Green Office 

In this workshop you bring a visit tot he green office. Green Office is the physical space to connect, support and create impactful waves to staff, students, and guests of NHL Stenden. We provide consultation related to the SDGs. We communicate efforts, successes, and failures as a Green Office. We bring communities together working on real-life challenges related to the positive impact on the SDGs. We are part of the Green Office Movement. 

10:45 - 11:15 Choose your workshop; second round of the caroussel 

12:00 – 13.30 Exhibition of Tech; by students and Patents  

RUN-EU Exhibition of Technologies and Patents - an opportunity to discover the wealth of innovative research emerging from RUN-EU alliance partners' research units. Join us to explore these technologies firsthand and meet the researchers driving innovation forward. 

12:00 – 13:30 Showcase of Student Research 

14.00 -18.00 Company visits water, waste and plastics

Water
 

18.00 – 20.00 Walking dinner & Networking 

The bus for the company visit Plastics departs at 11.15. Lunch is served on the bus.