Utrecht University Geosciences Partners with IHE Delft in New Collaboration

On 15 February, the Faculty of Geosciences of Utrecht University and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document endorses the desire of the two institutes to cooperate more with each other in education and research.

This collaboration is very valuable. We both have a commonality in the themes we work on, and in our differences we can complement one another. As two education institutes, we can teach the next generation.

Utrecht University brings knowledge to research and education in the field of terrestrial systems and sustainability. This includes the evolution and surface dynamics of the earth as a system; ecological, economic and social sustainability and its application in policy and politics; and working towards inclusive, resilient and liveable cities.

IHE Delft brings knowledge on themes within water science, management and governance. Among them: sustainable freshwater resources and ecosystems; water management for justice, peace and sustainability, especially water law and diplomacy; integrated, resilient and inclusive land and water use; coastal and urban risk, adaptation and resilience; safe drinking water and sanitation; and knowledge and innovation for sustainable societies.

Interdisciplinarity in our work on water is what drew us to collaborate with Utrecht University. How can we work from academic research towards implementation? I am looking forward to the next steps.