We are living in a world that is becoming increasingly complex. Both societal changes and changes in the world around us have an increasing impact on our well-being. Simple solutions are not always available, and the complexity makes it difficult – if not impossible – to always anticipate changes adequately.
As a society, we are required to increase our resilience. Technology plays an essential part in this respect. Increasing the resilience of our society, through the development and smart deployment of technology, is one of the focal points of research, education, and valorisation at the University of Twente.
OUR SCIENTISTS AND THEIR RESEARCH
At the intersection of urban and rural areas
Engineering for a resilient world is a broad concept. Within this theme, UT scientists focus on so-called rurban areas; areas that are originally rural in nature, with an increasing level of urbanisation. These areas are characterised by the presence of one or more urban centres, such as villages and cities.
The Resilience@UT programme, which has been implemented throughout the university, has three focus areas:
- Fight against drought
- Safer society
- Healthcare
New connections
As engineers of resilience, we use research, education and valorisation to develop and provide global and local capacity and, in this way, contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. We regard resilience as both a design prerequisite and a result. Because of our dynamic, worldwide network, we are able to establish strong public-private partnerships, if necessary, and equip them in order to effectively implement practical, resilient solutions. This way, we prepare cities, communities and individuals properly for an unpredictable and inconstant future.
Many scientists from various faculties and institutes are working on the issue. They have joined forces in the Resilience@UT programme and are working on a joint research agenda for the topic of resilience. The programme is in line with the long-term research strategy of ECIU University (Smart Regions - Resilient Communities). Do you want to know more or contribute? Please contact one of the following members of the programme management team.
The following researchers are part of the Resilience@UT programme:
BMS Faculty
ET Faculty
ITC Faculty
EEMCS Faculty
Once every month, the working group “Resilience Meetings & Drinks” organises a meeting where students, researchers and practitioners share their vision on education, research or putting resilience into practice. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Want to join? Send an email to 4ture-secretariat@utwente.nl for an invitation.