Roberta Hofman appointed as special lecturer in Innovative Water Systems at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences

The first step was taken in March 2025 to appoint Hofman as associate reader in Innovative Water Systems at HU. During the preparations for the appointment, an outline plan was drafted that included the plans for research, teaching and practice. Inevitably, that also included details relating to personnel and finances. That process was implemented meticulously and took a year.

Applied water research on the map

For Hofman, her appointment as associate reader emphasises the importance of putting applied water research on the map. “Traditionally, KWR has had many alliances with universities to conduct research,” she says. “That now includes universities of applied sciences, and that is interesting for the water sector in many ways. The HU has an enormously wide-ranging network: there is, for example, a reader platform with specialists from all over the country. Drinking water utilities, water authorities and others can go here with research questions. That results in all kinds of projects in which students participate in the shape of, for example traineeships, involvement in projects or practical courses. This is a wonderful way to look around in the pool of new talent. And it is very relevant, with the ageing demographic of the sector.”

Seamless connection

But the focus is not just on new talent. Hofman’s readership will also result in an interesting range of additional training courses for people who are already working in the sector. Via the HU, they can follow formal courses to keep up with the rapidly changing world of water. Hofman now works two days a week at HU, where she teaches and supervises students, and sets up research and projects. She spends the rest of her time working for KWR – a combination that she says is seamless. “At KWR, everything is about applied research. That’s why our motto is: ‘Bridging science to practice’. Interesting partners have joined HU projects. They include Vitens, the largest drinking water utility in the Netherlands. The Stichtse Rijnlanden water authority is involved in projects, and the Aa en Maas water authority came on board recently. There is no lack of water topics to focus on in the Utrecht area. At present, HU is the only university of applied sciences with whom we have a formal alliance but I can see this approach expanding in the future.”

Wonderful practical partner

The HU expects the alliance to put practical research about circular water even more prominently on the map, as explained by Cyrille Krul, the director of the Knowledge Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living where Hofman’s readership is housed: “As part of the wide HU profile, we want to show where our focus lies in terms of sustainability and circularity. Drinking water is one of those focal points, and KWR is a wonderful practical partner for us. Drinking water issues are complex, and they require a national and international approach in addition to a regional one. KWR connects these lines, they value quality and they have a practical mindset. That combination makes us a good match. By educating people – both new and established professionals – we can have more impact.” Krul describes Hofman’s qualities as an associate reader: “For us, a reader must not only be an excellent scientist but also have an impact on professional practice and society as a whole. Roberta excels in that respect: she features regularly in the national media. She knows how to explain technically complex topics such as water treatment and circular water in an understandable way. Not only to students and consumers, but also to professionals. That’s really wonderful.”

The world of water

For Hofman, leading her own research group at HU is a dream come true: “I’ve always wanted to do something with students. Besides enjoying explaining things, I get a lot of energy from the new ideas and enthusiasm of young people. More than half of the students decide to graduate in this sector after a project in the Water Technology minor. Even though they often say at the outset: ‘Water? What’s special about that? Doesn’t it just flow out of a tap?’ They gradually discover a whole new world. I think that’s terrific!”

Stronger network

Hofman believes her position as an associate reader at HU will expand and strengthen the KWR network. And that students will consider KWR more often as an interesting option for a traineeship and/or place to work. “My colleagues can get on board on platforms I work with on the basis of my HU position. That cuts both ways: KWR enhances its profile. Water is a very relevant topic, and it will only become more relevant. With challenges such as climate change and water availability, we need to establish a clear picture of everything relating to water. Future generations also have a right to safe and adequate supplies of tap water. Everything starts with an awareness of the actual significance of water, and I see that in the students.”

The associate readership in Innovative Water Systems is part of the Innovative Testing in Life Sciences & Chemistry lectureship which is housed with HU’s Knowledge Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living. In her new position, Hofman will work with her colleagues on projects for the water sector as part of the Healthy Circular Water research line and students can follow the Water Technology minor.