Description
Zoals een zaadje zijn weg vindt naar het licht, zo begint elke ontwikkeling met nieuwsgierigheid. Met een vraag, een ontmoeting, een idee dat langzaam vorm krijgt.
TU Delft is een plek waar mensen samenkomen om te groeien. Waar kennis wortel schiet, perspectieven elkaar kruisen en nieuwe mogelijkheden ontstaan. Een gemeenschap die voortdurend in beweging is, gevoed door verbeeldingskracht, lef en de wil om bij te dragen aan een betere wereld.
Met het thema “Nature Inspires / Inspire your nature” vieren we de kracht van groei in al haar vormen. De natuur herinnert ons eraan dat ontwikkeling geen rechte lijn is, maar een reis van ontdekken, verbinden en vernieuwen. Ze nodigt ons uit stil te staan bij wat ons inspireert en bij de unieke bijdrage die ieder van ons kan leveren.
Aan het begin van dit nieuwe academische jaar openen we samen een nieuw hoofdstuk. Laat je verrassen door nieuwe inzichten, ontmoet elkaar en vind inspiratie in de mensen en ideeën om je heen.
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Just as a seed finds its way towards the light, every journey of growth begins with curiosity. With a question, an encounter, an idea slowly taking shape.
TU Delft is a place where people come together to grow. Where knowledge takes root, perspectives intersect, and new possibilities emerge. A community in constant motion, nourished by imagination, courage, and the desire to contribute to a better world.
With the theme “Nature Inspires / Inspire your nature”, we celebrate the power of growth in all its forms. Nature reminds us that development is rarely a straight line, but a journey of discovery, connection, and renewal. It invites us to reflect on what inspires us and on the unique contribution each of us can make.
At the start of this new academic year, we open a new chapter together. Be inspired by fresh insights, connect with others, and discover inspiration in the people and ideas around you.
Speakers
Ingrid Thijssen
Driven by her belief in the power of technology and talent development, Ingrid Thijssen is committed to finding solutions to the major societal challenges of our time. As President of TU Delft’s Executive Board, she stresses the importance of curiosity, innovation and engineering, with nature increasingly serving as a source of inspiration for new technological breakthroughs.
Hester Bijl
Driven by the belief that technological progress and social impact are inextricably linked, Hester Bijl is dedicated to education and research that has a real impact. As Rector Magnificus of TU Delft, she inspires a new generation of engineers to think curiously, push boundaries and act responsibly while considering the challenges facing a sustainable society.
Wopke Hoekstra
Since 2023, Wopke Hoekstra has been the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, and has been formally responsible for achieving the European climate targets. In this capacity, he has been dedicated to implementing the European Green Deal and realising a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050.
Elvin Karana
While the world searches for sustainable alternatives to polluting production methods, Professor Elvin Karana is exploring new avenues. From the BioDesign Lab, Professor Karana, a professor of materials innovation and design, is developing living materials that could help strike a better balance between humans and the ecosystem.
Josefien Groot
Driven by her belief that people and nature can coexist in greater harmony, Josefien Groot is committed to bringing about sustainable change. As cofounder and Chair of the Board of Qlayers, she develops environmentally friendly painting robots that contribute to cleaner industrial processes. Furthermore, inspired by her passion for self-sufficient living, she is exploring what a more sustainable lifestyle might entail. (See Alumnus of the Year 2025)
Marjolein van Esch
Driven by the ambition to keep cities livable in a changing climate, Marjolein van Esch explores how science and design can contribute to effective climate adaptation, with nature-based solutions playing a key role. As Academic Lead for Climate Change Adaptation at the TU Delft Climate Action Programme, she is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and developing solutions that prepare cities for the future.
Vera Kortman
Vera Kortman is fascinated by the ingenious solutions that nature has developed over millions of years and is investigating how these principles can be applied to new technology. She is, for example, working on soft, mechanically intelligent robots inspired by organisms such as octopuses.
Austin Lopez
Austin Lopez is intrigued by the ingenious ways in which insects move through their environment. He is working on the next generation of flying robots. His drones draw their sensory capabilities and flight behaviour from nature and possess the collective intelligence of insect swarms.