17 July 2019
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There is a growing awareness that Dutch biodiversity is under increasing pressure. Many developments such as intensive agriculture, urbanization and climate change have caused a decline in many animal and plant species. This has adverse effects on our ecosystem. Therefore HAS University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with Naturalis, has set up the lectureship Innovative Biomonitoring to map biodiversity, measure losses and monitor the effects of interventions.
With this new professorship HAS University of Applied Sciences wants to contribute to protecting and conserving our biodiversity. The goal of the professorship is to apply, validate and further develop innovative techniques. Margje Voeten is the lecturer of the new lectureship and works from the Department of Applied Biology. She will collaborate with other courses, such as Geo Media & Design.
Techniques in research
The professorship focuses initially on 2 specific techniques for species recognition: (environmental) DNA and automatic image and sound recognition. The goal of the professorship is the successful application of both techniques that make the detection and monitoring of species easier(er) and which can contribute to the early and effective implementation of (nature) conservation measures. The species the professorship focuses on in the first place are invasive exotic species and rare or protective species.
Unique collaborations
Pupils are also directly involved in the research. Students benefit from the knowledge and experience gained and can actively contribute through practical assignments. HAS University of Applied Sciences also seeks to cooperate with professorships, knowledge centers, water boards, the government, the business community and other educational institutions.
The collaboration with Naturalis is also unique. Naturalis carries out fundamental scientific research, often in collaboration with universities and academic institutes. With the professorship Naturalis is now also committed to application-oriented research. Scientific director Naturalis Maaike Romijn: "We expect that through this collaboration we will accelerate the application and implementation of innovative techniques in practice."