These three students and their theses win the Th. van Welderen Rengers Prize 2022

The winning theses had to be relevant to the cultural, socio-ethical and/or socio-economic development of Fryslân. In addition, the papers had to stand out by design, inventiveness, depth and social impact. Methodologically, the theses had to meet the requirements for a research design at college level.

The winners and their winning thesis:

Sharon Pol (NHL Stenden - BA Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling): The Kielsterrak: The redevelopment of the Potmarge between Parkhoven and Greunshiem

How can the former horticultural and care complex area in the Potmarge be transformed into a green-blue public recreational zone with a mixed living-working function in which climate adaptation, biodiversity and cultural-historical values have a place? That research question is central to Sharon's urban design: a combination of a green model and an urban model. In the design, the area is transformed into a green, water-rich area where there is room for recreation and meeting.

Alisa Herijgers (Van Hall Larenstein – Ad Melkveehouderij): Redesign of farm management

This research and thesis focuses on the question of how to transform the Herijgers-Duursma partnership into a future-proof farm that can be taken over by Alisa in about a decade and eventually run by her alone, without additional labor. To figure this out, Alisa mapped the partnership in all its aspects, described the external developments - which we all know are not soft on the sector - and indicated how the partnership can best deal with them.

Martine Kleinhoven (Van Hall Larenstein – BSc Animal Husbandry): What effect does Synvital+ have on feed protein utilization?

Martine researched in her thesis the effects of adding Synvital+ to the dairy ration of Holstein cows to get a reduction in nitrogen emission. For a province like Fryslân with a very large dairy farming sector, finding innovative methods that reduce nitrogen emissions is very important in connection with economic development. On three dairy farms Martine set up a comparative trial, comparing the addition of Synvital+ with a control group or a pre-period.

The Th. van Welderen Rengersfonds

Every year, the Th. van Welderen Rengersfonds awards thesis prizes for the best graduation works in Fryslân. Theo van Welderen, baron Rengers (1867-1945) was, among other things, founder of the Coöperatieve Voorschot- en Spaarbank Trynwâlden in Oentsjerk. This bank was later integrated into the Friesland Bank. The baron bequeathed his property to a foundation: the Th. van Welderen Rengersfonds. With the aim that his capital be used to stimulate economic prosperity in Fryslân.