Kick-off 'Closed Cycles', a collab between NLN, IAFD and NWO

The Closed Cycles collaboration project reflects on the research conducted by life scientists. This research addresses current social and climatic urgencies through a ‘closed cycles’ approach, which contributes to the transition to a circular economy. The collaboration challenges students to explore, understand, visualize, and communicate scientific research and the scientists behind them to a broader audience.

The project included classes and joint working groups in conversation with KABK tutors and NWO scientists, culminating in an exhibition during NWO Life 2025 in May. NWO Life is a conference and provides a platform to easily access scientific knowledge beyond a research field.

Involved scientists

Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke, Wageningen University & Research
Research topic: By-products of insect breeding make crops healthier

Prof. dr. ir. Ruud Bartholomeus, Wageningen University & Research and KWR Water Research Institute
Research topic: Purified residual water for agriculture

Prof. dr. Stephen Picken, Delft University of Technology
Research topic: A biopolymer from sewage sludge as a basis for high-quality materials

Prof. dr. ir. Robbert Kleerebezem, Delft University of Technology
Research topic: Bacteria repair concrete thanks to nutrients from wastewater

Prof. dr. Martha Bakker, Wageningen University & Research
Research topic: What motivates farmers to use organic fertilizer or not?

Prof. dr. Leo Beukeboom, University of Groningen
Research topic: Growing insects on manure

Prof. Frederike Praasterink, HAS University of Applied Sciences
Research topic: Transition to a sustainable food system

Participating students Master Non Linear Narrative

Silvia Bovo, Anna Brescianini, Fabianna Flores Sanchez, Sasha Goloborodko, Tash Harris, Cecilia Iaconelli, Marina Maschek, Maria Mombers, Luca Oosterloo, Ellen Owens and Claire Santen

Participating students Bachelor Interior Architecture and Furniture Design

Falera van Balen, Darya Eroglu, Jonathan Falk, Zofia Glinkowska, Sunghee Joe, Christian Kennecke, Elze Kurtinaitytė, Sonya Levchynska, Raluca Nedelea Stolz, Minwoo Park, Doris Peterfi, Jaap Schreven, Pim Schumacher, Emma Verrijt and Liza Zazimko

Project supervision

Lada Hršak
Niels Schrader

Teaching

Lada Hršak, Maartje Nevejan, belit sağ, Evaline Schot and Niels Schrader

Coordination

Roosmarijn Hompe