Provincial deputy Erik Jan Bennema vitis Campus Groningen

Mo 20 April 2026

Last Friday, we welcomed Provincial Executive Member Erik Jan Bennema to Campus Groningen for a working visit rich in substance and future prospects. With a broad portfolio - covering the economy, mobility, and internationalization - his work directly addresses the very essence of a campus: a catalyst for regional economic growth.

During the visit, we outlined how Campus Groningen’s two locations (Zernike Campus and Healthy Ageing Campus) function as a single ecosystem in which more than 70,000 people - students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals - work together toward a greener, more sustainable, and healthier world. Not only at the regional level, but also at the national and international levels.

Edward Van Der Meer, director of Campus Groningen, elaborated on the core of our approach: how we create an environment in which innovation can emerge and grow more quickly.

Paulina Snijders then explained how the UMCG serves as a regional driving force for healthcare and innovation. Among other things, she emphasized the importance of in-person interactions on campus and outlined their development agenda, which includes sustainable infrastructure such as thermal energy storage.

Johan Knijp of DNV shared his vision on the energy transition: balancing long-term ambitions with today’s reality. Not pessimistic, not naively optimistic, but—as he puts it—realistically optimistic. He highlighted inspiring projects and initiatives from the region that contribute to progress every day.

Finally, Bart Scheerder took us through the rapid rise of AI. Using examples from the UMCG, he demonstrated how the organization maintains control over data, ensures security, and is simultaneously becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. The arrival of the AI factory in Groningen marks a significant milestone in this regard.

We concluded with a walk across the northern tip of the Healthy Ageing Campus—an area in full development. A preview of the future as outlined in the Healthy Ageing Campus’s area vision.

.