Growing together

At the beautiful Musis concert hall in Arnhem, Aly Smelt, member of HAN's Executive Board, officially opened the 2026-2027 academic year and warmly welcomed everyone in attendance. The venue was filled with staff, students and partners from across the region. Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Executive Board Chair Rob Verhofstad then took to the stage to share their perspectives.

According to the Prime Minister, collaboration between education and industry is essential. Education prepares the professionals of tomorrow, while businesses help education continue to innovate and evolve. His message to students was simple: keep asking questions, stay curious and don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how innovation happens.

Quoting Oscar Wilde, he added: "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes."

"Be brave. Keep going. Take risks. Try something, fall down, get back up and try again. That's how we learn. And if there's one thing this region is good at, it's exactly that."

Rob Verhofstad, Chair of HAN's Executive Board, started by thanking everyone for being there. He acknowledged that HAN is facing challenges. "Student numbers are declining, and the impact of budget cuts is still being felt. We need to work hard. But rather than focusing on what isn't possible, we focus on what is."

The theme of this year's opening was Growing Together. "Whether times are easy or difficult, growth happens together," Verhofstad said. The theme was chosen deliberately. Arnhem has been named the National Education City of 2026, and HAN is proud to be part of that story.

Education, he emphasized, does not only happen in classrooms. "Supporting young people's development is a shared responsibility across the whole city. Sport, culture, nature, businesses, neighborhoods and community organizations all play an important role. That is why HAN students learn in many different environments: at companies and organizations, in innovation hubs and laboratories, and through projects in the wider community." As Verhofstad put it: "There's an African proverb that says, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' That's a big part of our philosophy. I often say that the region is our campus."

Around 10,000 new students will begin their studies at HAN next week. Many are currently taking part in introduction activities and preparing for the start of university life. "This could be the beginning of an incredible period of growth," Verhofstad said. "A time filled with excitement, uncertainty, new experiences and everything that comes with stepping into the unknown."

He stressed that supporting students remains HAN's core purpose. "Our job is to create the conditions that help students thrive. That's about much more than teaching knowledge and skills. It's the conversation with a lecturer, being part of a research team, completing a placement, or connecting with fellow students. Those experiences matter too."

HAN is evolving as well. "Not necessarily in student numbers," Verhofstad noted, "but certainly in our role in society. Alongside educating young people, HAN is increasingly involved in helping professionals reskill and upskill throughout their careers. In a world where change is constant, lifelong learning has become more important than ever. We're encouraging people to take ownership of their own development. That requires flexibility, resilience and a willingness to keep learning."

HAN is shaping that future together with its partners. Recently, the university brought together a range of stakeholders for discussions about HAN's long-term direction. "Those conversations offered valuable ideas and perspectives, which we're now using in the development of our new institutional strategy."

Looking beyond the university, Verhofstad highlighted the growing ambitions of the Arnhem-Nijmegen region, which is working together under the Lifeport banner. The region is preparing for a new phase of growth, with a focus on Energy, Health and High Tech.

"Lifeport brings together businesses, government and educational and knowledge institutions. For us as a university of applied sciences, that's incredibly valuable. As I often say, the region is our campus. And that campus can be found everywhere, in many different forms."

According to Verhofstad, this collaboration helps people, organizations and communities continue to develop.

"Lifeport isn't focused on growth for growth's sake. Its goal is to accelerate the major transitions the Netherlands needs. HAN contributes by educating talented professionals and by developing innovations through practice-based research."

He concluded: "Our graduates are thinkers and doers. The Netherlands is stronger because of graduates from universities of applied sciences. They make a real difference, and we'll continue working hard to support them."

Closing the event, Verhofstad encouraged everyone to keep looking for opportunities to grow and develop.

"It's a pleasure to open this academic year together with you, and I look forward to continuing that journey of growth together."

As every year, the opening ceremony also included the presentation of the HAN Awards. These awards recognize HAN students and staff who have made an exceptional contribution over the past academic year.

Yvonne de Haan and Harmen Neidig announced the winners.

Winners of the HAN Awards 2026

• Student: William Onink (HBO-ICT, Academy of IT and Media Design)
• Lecturer: Project Game Week team: Dave van den Berg, Paul Kuijpers, Ronald van Lith and Ludolf Schouten (School of Built Environment)
• Researcher: Minke Nieuwboer (Research Group in Community Nursing, Sustainable Healthcare Research Centre, School of Health)
• Support Staff Member: Chantal Hoogveld (Marketing & Communications, Relationship Management Team)

More about the winners will be published soon.