The award was announced during the Comenius Festival in The Hague, a national event that celebrates educational innovation. Representatives from all three institutions, including our Dean Gerda Andringa and Director of Strategy and Innovation  Alexei Karas, were present to receive the honor.

The JRCZ is a pioneering research facility where students from MBO (vocational education), HBO (applied sciences), and WO (academic education) work side by side. Focused on pressing societal challenges in water, energy, and food, the center fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research and innovation across educational levels.

The NRO praised the center for its unique model of cooperation and its contribution to educational development in the Zeeland region. According to the jury, the JRCZ not only creates impactful research outcomes but also significantly strengthens the region’s knowledge infrastructure and educational quality.

The €800,000 prize will be used to further develop educational innovation within the JRCZ, support ongoing research projects, and promote knowledge sharing among educators. The award stands as a national recognition of the power of collaborative education and regional commitment.