Silvia Lenaerts, Rector TU Eindhoven: creating value requires a close connection to the real world

She was responsible for valorization at the University of Antwerp. She came to TU Eindhoven, world leading in industry-academic valorisation. Her research is Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, while energy, the environment and sustainability are key innovation areas to TU/e. Now, as the new rector of TU/e, Silvia Lenaerts puts forward "valorization" as the main theme for the Opening of the Academic Year 2023. 

Yet, valorization for her is broader than a commercial transfer. Silvia Lenaerts wants to orient TU more towards society. Dissemination requires us to stay connected to the real world. Getting input from outside in. Reaching out to a broader audience. For that, TU needs "Cognitive diversity" from a broad range of disciplines. Academics do not only educate and not only do research, but also need to work on valarization, and that can be in many different forms.   

An interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport

Photo by Bart van Overbeeke