Dr Hanneke Assen is Professor of International Hospitality Education at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden. Her research focuses on the role of hospitality in learning and collaboration. Not only in education, but also in sectors like healthcare, technology and the public domain. Her expertise lies in design-based education, co-creation, and in learning environments where students, educators and professional partners come together to learn from and with each other through a trialogical perspective.
Professor of International Hospitality Education
Research areas:
In her PhD research, Hanneke explored how educators can grow in the transition from teacher-led to student-centred learning. The focus wasn’t only on student learning, it was just as much about how educators develop and learn during this process.
As a professor, she leads the professorship International Hospitality Education. Together with colleagues and professional partners, she works on innovation in education. Central to her work is the trialogical perspective: students, educators and professionals learn together. Concepts like design-based education play an essential role here.
Hanneke is also actively involved in projects that blur the boundaries between study programmes, disciplines and sectors. Because it’s at these intersections where truly meaningful insights emerge, and education moves forward.
Professorship International Hospitality Education
The International Hospitality Education professorship explores how students grow into agile hospitality professionals. The group builds bridges between theory and practice, and between education and the professional field.
Projects
Most recent publications
Fernandes, M.B., Mons, I., de Boer, M.R., Assen, H., Fang, M., Williams, K., Morrison, A., Harkison, T. (2025). Unleashing the power of trialogical learning in hospitality education. In: Rethinking Hospitality and Tourism Education: Disruptors and Transformations. Multilingual Matters & Channel View Publications, pp. 109–122. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.23996209.13
Assen, H. & Van Diggelen, M. (2024). Model toont belang samenwerking in teams Design-Based Ecudation. Science Guide, 24 maart 2024, derived via ‘Model toont belang samenwerking in teams bij Design-Based Education’ - ScienceGuide
Day, I.N.Z., Assen, H.J.H.E., Stevens, T.M., Vermunt, J. D. (2025). Practice What You Preach: Lecturers Learning About Design-Based Education. Innovative Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-025-09804-1
Assen, H., de Boer, M.R. & Fernandes, M. B (2021). Moving to design-based education in hotel management school: proof of success and beyond — a research journey. Research in Hospitality Management, 11(2), 145-15o. https://doi.org/10.1080/22243534.2021.1917754
In the media
Professionele leergemeenschappen in het hoger onderwijs
LeidraadCreating What’s Next
Outstending - magazine 2025