The rapid growth and development of the Dutch dairy industry has brought a lot of challenges. These are related to the influence on our landscape, the pressure on biodiversity, the reduction of emissions and the improvement of animal welfare. The transition to a sustainable dairy industry that respects animals and the environment is a complex endeavor that will require all involved parties to cooperate and work together across disciplines.

In an inter-disciplinary team of students and in close collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders you will be working on the question:
‘How can dairy farms still exist in the future, in a healthy, sustainable and economically feasible way, from the perspective of the animals, the environment, as well as the farmers?’

This challenge is aimed at third-year bachelor and master students from all disciplines in our alliance institutes in Eindhoven, Wageningen and Utrecht. In working on this challenge, students are stimulated to employ a trans-disciplinary approach. Projects could combine technical, political, economic, social and sustainability disciplines. During the DDSC students will be challenged to go from broad challenge to a more specific problem definition and propose a project plan to tackle this problem.

Practical information

• Start date: 10th of March 2025
• End date: 15th of May 2025
• This course is for 3rd year bachelor and master students
• Study load: 6 ECTs
• Language: English (all official communication and deliverables are in English, but a basic understanding of the Dutch language is highly recommended.)
• Live events hosted at one of the DDC partners on:
  March 13th 2025 and April 3rd 2025
• Please note that we highly recommend the inspiration event on 13/02/2025 as a preparation and the grand final on 15/05/2025 as a final celebration. So save the dates!

Teaching method

In mixed teams of 4-5 students you will work towards a concrete project proposal for a future-proof Dutch dairy sector. Each team is guided by a coach,to support the process and individual learning trajectory.

This project is characterized by it’s active approach and close connection to the work field. Which requires a professional and pro-active attitude. Throughout the process you will be facilitated by a multi-disciplinary team of teachers.

There will be no written exams during this course. The assessment is based on your active participation, a project proposal in combination with a final presentation, and an individual reflection.

This course is hybrid, including online expert sessions, coaching and feedback sessions in between the mentioned on-site events at varying locations.

Preregistration and registration

In order to register a pre-registration is required. Click on the icon to preregister.

Your preregistration is required no later than: 20th of December 2024
The registration will close on: 12th of January 2025