Discover together with Bas van Vliet (WUR) how a groundbreaking €5 million NWO-funded project ESCH-R is transforming Dutch hospitals by cutting down on disposables and pioneering circular strategies. Learn how the EWUU alliance, Erasmus MC, TU Delft, and RSM are working together to reshape sustainability in healthcare. Ultimate goal? Circular and climate-neutral healthcare by 2050.

Together with doctors, patients, suppliers, and researchers, we explore smart, practical solutions that work in real hospital settings.

And here’s the thing—what we learn in healthcare can inspire other sectors too. If hospitals can move away from single use, why not other organizations?

Tune in and discover how small changes can lead to big impact—for people, the planet, and beyond.

Synthetic biology is pushing the boundaries of what biology can do. It combines different disciplines to tackle urgent challenges for people and the planet. The EWUU Centre for Living Technologies (CLT) aims to play a key role in this global transformation. Researcher Diana Machado de Sousa tells us more about the depth of research being done within Living Technologies. CLT develops new techniques to program and design living systems—such as cells, microbes, and tissues—in order to contribute to the health of humans and the environment. We are inspired by the intelligence and adaptability of nature. By reimagining biological strategies, we create sustainable and circular technologies. Think of microbes that capture CO₂ from the air, DNA used for data storage, or engineered cells that can treat diseases. We use nature’s toolbox to develop innovative, fair, and restorative solutions.

At CLT, EWUU brings together a wide range of knowledge and experience. We come from different institutions, each with our own strengths. By working together, we learn from one another and support each other in advancing science. In doing so, we are building living technologies that respond to the challenges of today—and tomorrow.

What happens when research listens—truly listens—to the people it’s meant to serve? In this podcast, we explore the work of the EWUU Preventive Health Citizens Participation Panel together with Margret Franssen. These local panels, made up of people with lived experience of social and economic exclusion, are not just consulted—they co-create research that reflects real lives. By collaborating with scientists from the start, they ensure projects are grounded in reality and geared toward meaningful societal impact.

The EWUU institute 4 Preventive Health strives to promote increased health standards for the entire population of the Netherlands, aiming to extend healthy lifespan by at least five years. A key goal is to reduce the health inequality gap between the lowest and highest socio-economic groups by 30%. This is research done differently—with people, not just for them.

In a time defined by climate crises, societal transitions, and rapid change, the need for future-oriented change agents is more urgent than ever. But how can we train students —not just to become experts—but to collaborate, adapt, and lead in the face of uncertainty? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Yvette Baggen about what it takes to educate students for the complex realities of for example sustainability transitions or creating a circular economy. We explore how working in teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and partnerships beyond academia help students develop the flexible, entrepreneurial, cross-context skillset needed to drive real-world impact. We explore how working in teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and partnerships beyond academia helps students develop the flexible, cross-context skillset needed to create real-world impact—and how such educational approaches can position the university at the heart of society, realizing societal impact through education.

What role do universities play in shaping these change agents? How can students create impact during and beyond their time in education? And how can we track and strengthen teamwork and adaptive thinking along the way?

In this episode, EWUU dives into innovative research together with Michele Tufano. The research uses pressure-sensitive trays, cameras, and microphones to capture the full dining experience — not just what people eat, but how and why they eat in natural social settings. Real-life contexts reveal the complex factors influencing how much we eat, such as social interactions with family and friends.

Understanding these behaviors is vital for society. Some people struggle to eat enough, like elderly individuals or patients recovering from surgery, while others may overeat, contributing to health issues. By uncovering the nuances behind eating decisions, researchers hope to develop tailored strategies that help people maintain healthier eating habits. Ultimately, this research could improve nutrition and well-being across diverse populations, supporting both individual health and public health initiatives.