Good news: StudentLines is launching! Starting January 1, 2026, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen (RUG) will collaborate for four years on this major initiative. Together, they are committed to strengthening the connection between education, research, and the labor market.
StudentLines lays the foundation for improved education and strong career prospects in the Northern Netherlands. They will achieve this by developing a regional infrastructure that brings together people with educational questions and educational data. In a safe and responsible way, we will use this data to research how students, from secondary vocational education (MBO) to research universities (WO), learn, progress, and find their place in the labor market. Themes such as student success, well-being, and engagement are central, and the research will result in practical tools for educational innovation.
The goal is to develop and retain talent in the region by creating stronger alignment between educational institutions and the professional field. By making smart use of educational data and student experiences, we aim to drive meaningful educational innovation. In doing so, StudentLines supports lecturers, researchers, policymakers, and students. By gaining better insight into what works in education, institutions can invest more effectively in student success, well-being, and opportunities within the region.
In the longer term, other universities of applied sciences (HBO), vocational (MBO), and secondary education (VO) institutions may join under the umbrella of the University of the North, allowing StudentLines to grow into a broad regional knowledge platform. The funding confirms the importance of regional collaboration and gives Groningen the opportunity to structurally strengthen educational innovation.
The National Program Groningen (NPG) has awarded a €4 million grant for StudentLines, and both participating institutions are providing substantial co-financing. RUG acts as the lead applicant and coordinating institution. Within Hanze, the project is anchored at the Centre for Talent and Learning, but it will be implemented across the entire university. Together, they will work on various work packages and set up PhD and pilot projects focusing on communication, ethics, well-being, labor market transitions, and talent development. Student involvement and collaboration are central throughout.
Hanze and RUG collaborate on all work packages within the project, with Hanze taking primary responsibility for four:
External synergy and further development – Professorship in Labor Market Transitions
How do we connect StudentLines with other projects and build a regional infrastructure for educational data?
Communication and user experience – Professorship in Communication, Behaviour & the Sustainable Society
How do we ensure that students, researchers, policymakers, and the professional field are aware of and actively use StudentLines?
Legal aspects and ethics – Professorship in Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship
How can we use educational data safely, structurally, and in compliance with the GDPR within the regional context?
Longitudinal data and scope – Professorship in Talent Development in Higher Education and Society
What relevant data should be collected over time in relation to student success, student career paths, and well-being? How does this relate to data that is already being collected?
In addition, the following Hanze research groups are involved in PhD projects within StudentLines: Learning in Learning Communities, Talent Development in Higher Education and Society, and Labor Market Transitions.
Spurce article and picture: Hanze
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
A much-loved tradition The Campus Trail has become a much-loved tradition on campus. Students, employees and professionals from companies and organisations across the campus ecosystem lace up their running shoes for a sporty 6.4-kilometre route through buildings and past some of the campus’s unique labs. The rapid growth in registrations shows just how much the Campus Trail has become part of the campus community. The combination of sport, meeting others and the unique campus setting makes the run a great opportunity to connect with people outside the usual work and study environment. And there’s no need to head home as soon as you cross the finish line. During the after-party, hosted by Contini Catering, participants can relax together, enjoy a drink and celebrate the afternoon. There’s still time to join: those who want to take part can register online until 3 September, or sign up on the day itself using the PIN Campus Trail 2026 | Campus Groningen.
ZonMw is expected to open the final call for proposals within the PharmaNL Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) program line. This program line focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for the development, upscaling, and production of innovative medicines in the Netherlands.
