🤝 How can government and universities work together to create real societal impact?
Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our guests from Provincie Zuid-Holland to our Erasmus Data Collaboratory and Immersive Xperience Lab at the Erasmus University Rotterdam campus. Together, we explored new opportunities for collaboration and the transformative potential of extended reality (XR).
After a warm welcome by Nicolette Stehouwer-den Hollander (Innovation Manager, Erasmus University), we explored new avenues for collaboration with insightful presentations:
- Pepijn Bakker (Head of Strategy Department, Real Estate & Facilities) discussed the future development of the Erasmus University Rotterdam campus.
- Art Bos (Head of Business Development & Knowledge Transfer) shared how Erasmus Research Services drives impact through strategic themes, open innovation networks, and joint projects that benefit society and the economy.
- Sam van der Schaaf (Coordinator Knowledge & Innovation, Provincie Zuid-Holland) highlighted the potential of public sector partnerships to fuel innovation for a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economy that contributes to broad prosperity for all people in Zuid-Holland.
Our guests then explored the campus, including:
- A sneak peek of the Smart Campus initiative
- A tour of the Erasmus Behavioral Lab
Back at ECDA, our Executive Director Marcel van Oosterhout introduced our centre’s goals, milestones, and key projects that leverage data and technology to address societal challenges.
Jos van Dongen (Director Erasmus Data Collaboratory | House of AI) introduced the Erasmus Data Collaboratory and its mission to drive innovation and positive change by collaborating with diverse partners around data, immersive tech, and AI.
🚀 In our Immersive Xperience Lab, participants explored the possibilities of extended reality (XR) firsthand with Frederike Manders (Immersive Tech Program Manager), who guided them through the Lab. They experienced:
- Rising water levels in VR
- Sculptures in AR
- Our Digital Human Digiderius
- Holographic experiences at our Holo-wall
- EUR campus movement visualizations, built by our Data Lab student assistant Aaron L.
All showing the potential of XR and AI to inspire new ways of learning, collaborating, and innovating.
It was a fantastic day of exchange and inspiration — and a reminder of what we can achieve through public-academic collaboration.
Curious to collaborate with our Immersive Xperience Lab team? Reach out to Frederike Manders to plan your visit. Or with our Data Lab team? Reach out to Jos van Dongen.
