Testimonials
Read what current and former students say about their study choice and experiences with the programme.
Elisa Berardi, student
"It combines a strong philosophical perspective with scientific and practical applications, such as the design challenge."
What makes this programme unique in your eyes?
This programme has a unique teaching approach, encouraging deep reflection and inquiry into key concepts about life on Earth and humanity's place within it. It combines a strong philosophical perspective with scientific and practical applications, such as the design challenge.
Are there any misconceptions about this programme, can you name them?
Some may expect the programme to focus more heavily on biomimicry. While it does incorporate that aspect, I believe the programme is broader in scope—it's more about fostering a new way of thinking.
What is your favorite subject of this programme? Could be a course, a project, an assignment, the thing you like most?
My favorite part so far has definitely been the design challenge. It’s super interesting and fun, gives you a lot of freedom, encourages creativity, feels like a real-world experience, and provides great insights into design thinking.
What is the future you? What would be your ideal LinkedIn profile in a few years?
In a few years, I'd like to work with companies in sustainability projects and nature-based solutions, focusing on project management and seeing real-world applications of my work.
Anything else you would like to share with prospective students?
If you are not from here, it is very hard to find a place to live in Utrecht. To keep in mind when applying to the master (or any other…).
Julie Engel, student
"Through the program, I've learned to look at research from a more systems-based approach, so I'm keeping my eye out for projects that suit this way of thinking."
What makes this programme unique in your eyes?
Unlike in other programmes, Bio Inspired Innovation adds a design element to research. While you improve your research skills with the major project, you learn to implement your ideas in two design challenges that really bring fundamental knowledge and application together. The programme has a focus on sustainability and circularity in future design. Because of the amount of free-choice for all projects, you really learn to use this perspective in any subject that you choose to work on.
If you had to tell something about the programme you know now, but what you didn’t know before you started, what would you tell?
The wide range of possibilities can make it hard to have a clear study path. It’s important to keep checking in with yourself on your interests and goals, to make sure you get the most out of the Master’s.
What is your favourite subject of this programme? Could be a course, a project, an assignment, the thing you like most?
I really liked the first-year design challenge. It’s a unique chance to get creative and learn a lot of design skills, while working on an issue that you care about. I noticed that reaching out to stakeholders taught me a lot, and it was very rewarding to work together with so many professionals in the field.
And thinking ahead… to PhD or not to PhD? What would you say?
Personally, I would like to get more experience in the field before possibly doing a PhD. I really enjoy research, but also crave to use my broad range of interests to work more interdisciplinary. Through the program, I've learned to look at research from a more systems-based approach, so I'm keeping my eye out for projects that suit this way of thinking.
Anything else you would like to share with prospective students?
Choosing a master’s can be overwhelming. Just remember that you’ll have a lot of freedom to keep going after the things you want. In the end, following your passion and staying curious will get you very far.
Nehis Osagie, student
"The most important thing is to be curious and not afraid to ask questions to the staff and fellow students."
What makes this programme unique in your eyes?
The themes and way of thinking are very new and unique. The programme covers a broad range of philosophies about sustainability & the way science is being conducted. But also touches upon different tools that can assist in sustainable design/development. So, it is quite unique in that it makes you think about the world and working more interdisciplinary.
What is something about the programme you know now, but what you didn’t know before you started?
That is requires a great amount of planning and thinking ahead about which directions you want to go in. Both for during and after the study. If you want to get the most out of it, you will need to have a proactive attitude. Never be afraid to send someone an email and a follow up email if necessary.
What is your favourite subject of this programme?
My favourite subject has been the bio inspired design challenge. This is because it combines my two main interests of biology and design. The course has a good mixture of theory covering biomimicry and more conventional design thinking. It hands you tools for brainstorming and even patent checks. However, the greatest strength is that you get to apply the teachings immediately yourself in the group project that is running throughout the course.
What is the future you? What would be your ideal LinkedIn profile in a few years?
My goal is to have the title of: Bio Inspired problem solver. Ideally, my LinkedIn profile would display my many interests. I would love to continue doing meaningful research that investigates solutions to societal problems. I am trying to find a combination between academia and industry. Where my work would focus on doing research into a biological system or process to address a real world problem.
Anything else you would like to share with prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to approach people at the university and at different departments. It is great to have multiple interests. You should use this time to explore your interests, talk to a lot of different people and you might imagine a whole different path for yourself after a few months of doing the programme. The most important thing is to be curious and not afraid to ask questions to the staff and fellow students.