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With the grant, Paul Vermunt will research how to use satellites from ESA and others to measure forest water content. To do so, he will regularly go to the Speulderbos on the Veluwe. On and around a 46-metre-high tower in that forest, he will test various sensors that measure the moisture levels and growth of trees.

Various studies have been conducted in recent years exploring how paying attention to nature can affect our well-being. A preliminary systematic review of these studies, conducted at the University of Twente, has shown that participants generally experience significantly more well-being compared to control groups. Their subjective experience of happiness is greater and they are better able to give direction to their lives. 'What's interesting about this is that it involves relatively simple exercises that everyone can apply immediately', says Prof. Ernst Bohlmeijer, Professor of Mental Health, who coordinated the systematic review. The research has been submitted to the Journal of Positive Psychology.

Professor A. (Tom) Veldkamp will remain rector magnificus of the University of Twente for the next four years. The Supervisory Board has decided on his reappointment, which takes effect on 1 October 2024. Veldkamp has been part of the UT's Executive Board since 2020, which further consists of Vinod Subramaniam (chair) and Machteld Roos (vice chair).

In the coming weeks, bicycle researchers of the Smart Connected Bicycle project are experimenting in the Twekkelerveld. Participants will cycle several laps on an e-bike with an alert system. For this, the researchers are still looking for participants.