Grants & innovation programmes

Note: this is the procedure for the BIG 2025. The BIG 2026 and its corresponding guidelines will be announced early 2026.

To apply for the BIG, you should write a 4-page proposal about your educational innovation. The proposal should be accompanied by:

• An educational curriculum vitae;
• A letter of recommendation from at least one programme director;
• Written permission from the relevant Head of Department.

Criteria for the proposal

• The proposal consists of an educational design, concept, method or product, preferably supported by scientific publications or conference contributions (evidence-based);
• The proposal is no longer than 4 pages and includes a title, an abstract, the relevance of the project, 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;
• The educational design, method or product is 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 an understandable way.

Selection and celebration

The BIG 2025 ceremony took place during the Week of Education on Monday 19 May. The BIG jury is made up of a Vice Dean Education, the previous BIG winner, a member of the Young Academy, a student and a member of CELT. This was 2025's group.

• the Vice Dean of Education - Ciano Aydin
• the previous BIG winner - Tracy Craig
• a member of the Young Academy - Chris Baeumer,
• a student - Heleen de Vos
• and a member of CELT - Marcus Pereira Pessoa

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.