June 16-17, 2025. Hosted by TNO in the Netherlands.

YEAR Annual Conference 2025: The Future Researcher

Pre-sign up here: your YEAR ambassador needs to confirm your participation.

YEAR is pleased to invite you to its next Annual Conference hosted by TNO in The Hague (The Netherlands) on 16-17 June 2025. This year’s theme, “The Future Researcher”, through which we will explore the future of research and in which we seek to answer the critical question: “What will research look like in 20 years from now?”

Programme

• Monday 16th of June (9:00 – 17:00): Opening and workshops with a social dinner (paid by YEAR) from 19:00 onwards
• Tuesday 17th of June (9:00 – 16:30): Workshop story telling
• (Optional) Saturday 14th of June (13:00-21:00) & Sunday 15th of June (12:30 – 17:00): Social Programme
• (Optional) Wednesday 18th of June (9:00 – 12:00): Lab Tours Optical Manufacturing / Quantum Labs / Shock Lab

Click here for a more detailed schedule overview.

Annual Conference

Day One: Hands-on workshops

1. Future of research problems: With Roland Mathijssen, Teun Hendriks and Wim de Jong , we will explore how complex technological innovations can be integrated and prepared to become market innovations. In this workshop you will get to know the field of Systems Engineering and how to apply Systems Thinking.
   For more insights, explore: Systems Engineering Education: From Learning Program to Business Value
2. The future of the researcher’s skill set: Joost van Genabeek (senior scientist Work & Health), will examine how researchers can adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Discover the shift from traditional education to a dynamic, skills-based model that fosters lifelong learning and continuous development.
   For more insights, explore: Skill matching and the labour market
3. The future of research tooling: Peter Werkhoven (Principal Scientist) will present emerging AI tooling revolutionizing research. Engage in an interactive session exploring how these technologies can reshape the research process.
   For more insights, explore: Innovating with innovation

Day Two: Crafting your story of the future

This session will be facilitated by Marloes ten Kate from Scientific Storytelling. During the session scientific storytelling will be explained, explored and mastered. You will learn to articulate your vision for the future of research and effectively share it within your organization!

By attending this conference, you will:

• Gain awareness of emerging trends shaping the future of research.
• Learn to integrate these trends into your work and projects for increased research effectiveness.
• Develop storytelling techniques to inspire your organization with a forward-looking vision.

Pre-conference Social Programme

A networking opportunity will take place before the conference takes place on 14th and 15th of June. You will get to know young researchers of our different member RTO’s and explore the city of law and art (the Hague).

Lab Tours

As cherry on the cake, you will also have the opportunity to visit some of TNO’s state of the art laboratories on Wednesday the 18th of June in the morning.
The following laboratories will welcome you:

• The Structural Dynamics Lab: It does not matter where the shock happens, the Structural Dynamics lab provides insights and solutions from vibrating navy ships all the way to earthquakes.
  For more insights, explore: 7 Questions about the Structural Dynamics Lab
• The Quantum Information Technology Facility: Which is the test center of TNO for equipment that uses quantum technology. Here TNO wants to support the companies that become part of the rising quantum market.
  For more insights, explore: QITT Offers Independent Quantum Technology Testing
  
• QuTech Research Lab: The is the mission-driven institute of TNO and TUDelft for the development of quantum technologies. The three divisions on which the QuTech lab focusses is Qubit Research, Quantum Internet and Quantum Computing.
  For more insights, explore: Quantum Facilities & Services at TNO
  
• The high-end optics manufacturing lab: Optics and high-tech are intertwined, from telescopes, satellites all the way back to the semiconductor industry. The manufacturing of optics is key to success in these industries and TNO therefore has the optics manufacturing lab.
  For more insights, explore: High-end Optics Manufacturing

About The Speakers

 

 

Roland Mathijssen

Roland Mathijssen has an industrial background in the High-Tech Industry in the Eindhoven area and works at TNO-ESI for over 20 years. He is part researcher and part trainer/coach in fields of systems architecting and systems engineering, and facilitator for the systems architecting study group (SASG).

 

 

 

 

 

Joost van Genabeek

As Senior Scientist in the field of work & health at TNO, Joost is dedicated to reducing labour market mismatches. His research emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and a skill-based approach in the face of rapid technological and societal changes.

 

 

 

 

Peter Werkhoven

Peter is Chief Scientist at TNO and professor at Utrecht University. His academic work focuses on AI safety and augmented reality. He is also a member of the Strategy Team of the National AI Coalition (NLAIC), and  member of the Dutch Advisory Council on Science, Technology & Innovation (AWTI).

 

 

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the future of research.
Register now and join us on 16-17 June 2025 in The Hague!