Joint Research Center Zeeland
Joint Research Center Zeeland
Science by the sea. Solutions for the world

The Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ) is a state-of-the-art facility where universities, universities of applied sciences, and industry tackle the grand challenges of our delta region: water, energy, and food. As an academic founding partner, UCR contributes interdisciplinary expertise and an engaged student body to the JRCZ.
What happens at JRCZ?
- Cutting-edge labs for materials science, marine ecology, and sustainable engineering
- Shared research programs co-designed by UCR faculty, regional partners, and international networks
Student lab courses and other teaching and learning activities, such as the WET Week and the Data Fest, that bring together students from vocational, applied, and academic backgrounds to collaborate on real-world challenges.
Datafest
Datafest
DataFest is an annual event where UCR students collaborate with peers from HZ University of Applied Sciences on real-world data challenges. Working with datasets from museums, archives, governments, or organizations, students apply tools like text extraction, object detection, and geocoding to uncover insights. Each edition focuses on a relevant theme, ranging from historical archives to pressing sustainability issues. The goal is to create data products that tell stories, connect communities, and provide valuable insights to support future solutions.



We Explore Together (WET) Week: Collaborative Solutions for Regional Challenges
We Explore Together (WET) Week
WET Week is an annual event where students from University College Roosevelt, HZ University of Applied Sciences, and Scalda come together to tackle real-world social and environmental challenges. Working in diverse, interdisciplinary teams, students address issues related to energy, food, and water, applying their knowledge to projects provided by regional entrepreneurs, organizations, and governments.
The week culminates in a public closing event where students present their innovative solutions to clients and stakeholders, fostering direct engagement and feedback. WET Week combines academic learning with practical impact, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the region.
