Grants & innovation programmes

The BIG was established in 2017 in honour of former Rector Ed Brinksma. The Brinksma Innovation Grant, or BIG for short, is awarded to a staff member with an innovative educational concept. 2025 is the 8th year that the prize has been awarded. 

Applicants must submit a four-page proposal outlining their educational innovation to apply for BIG 2026. The proposal should be accompanied by the following:

• an educational curriculum vitae (a brief description of your teaching experience, educational roles, and teaching development)
• a letter of recommendation from at least one programme director;
• written permission from the relevant head of department.

Criteria for the proposal:

• consist of an educational design, concept, method or product, supported by scientific publications or conference contributions (evidence-based);
• be no longer than four pages and include a title, an abstract, an explanation of the project’s relevance, the problem statement, the proposed solution, the theoretical background, the expected impact, an implementation plan and a plan for disseminating the results within (and possibly beyond) the University of Twente;
• be supported by a clear vision of educational innovation, based on the vision and strategy of the University of Twente;

Remember that not all members of the jury members will be experts in your field. Try to avoid jargon and write your proposal in a way that is easy to understand.

Selection and ceremony

The BIG 2026 ceremony will take place on Monday 8 June during the Week of Education. The exact time will be announced in due course. Here you can find the jury of the BIG in 2026.

Application deadline

Proposals should be sent to Angelique Assink: email a.h.assink@utwente.nl. The deadline is Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 12.00.