Testimonials

''I was looking for a programme where I could learn by applying theory to modern day problems, which I found to be a central theme in the programme.''

As a first year student in the Innovation Sciences programme, I have found what I was looking for after my Bachelor. Having studied the rather theoretical Chemistry Bachelor, I was looking for a programme where I could learn by applying theory to modern day problems, which I found to be a central theme in the programme. What’s more is that the programme has encouraged me to set ambitious but achievable goals, making the Innovation Sciences a great challenge!

It’s really amazing to see how much of the world around us is actually induced by innovation, and in its own way relates to innovation theory. Recently, we have been taught about the way the law, policies and cultural norms can steer, or be steered by, innovation. I would really love to analyse this relation more thoroughly, both during and after my studies, so that I can hopefully steer both innovations and society towards a better and more sustainable future!

''Applying knowledge directly in courses, and at the end of the first year in the consultancy project gave me an insight in where it is that I want to make a change.''

I have a background in engineering (both biomedical and industrial) and have always had an interest in the world’s road towards sustainability. While finding engineering interesting, I wanted to have a more all-round perspective on how innovation functions in a societal context, gaining insights on how to measure and steer it. Although most of the programme is set to give you a strong innovation-related base, the projects within these courses are open for your own interests, in my case sustainability and health care. Applying knowledge directly in courses, and at the end of the first year in the consultancy project gave me an insight in where it is that I want to make a change. After I’m done with this Master’s programme, the field of consultancy or policymaking is waiting for me, and I’m more confident than ever that I will be able to contribute.

''What I enjoyed most, were the practical applications of the innovation frameworks.’’

Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted a job with a lot of variety. The Master's programme is perfect for me, since variety is one of its main parts. The innovation frameworks can be applied to any industry in any country for any societal challenge. During this master, we learn a lot of helpful innovation frameworks, both on a micro firm level, as well as on a macro societal level. What I enjoyed most, were the practical applications of those frameworks. When the theoretical knowledge comes to life during the consultancy project for instance. Seeing the difference you can make for your client was great.

I think the advantage of Innovation Sciences is that you are not educated for a specific job or industry. The multidisciplinary approach allows you to choose from a wide variety of potential jobs.

''The group projects kept me motivated to continue working consistently, and throughout the program, I learned to manage my time and set the right conditions to succeed.''

I noticed in high school that I was more interested in the implication of discoveries than the discovery process itself. I was interested in questions such as: What can we do with it? Who can benefit from it? How can we efficiently use it? I chose this master because it taught me how to answer these questions, and ultimately bridge the scientific world with the business/political world.

I am very happy to have chosen Innovation Sciences. The group projects kept me motivated to continue working consistently, and throughout the program, I learned to manage my time and set the right conditions to succeed. The ‘Societal Challenges and Innovation Theory’ seminar and the ‘Quantitative Innovation Analytics’ course were the most exciting to me. Both of these courses really challenged me intellectually, and the knowledge I got from them was very valuable.

''I’m fascinated by the opportunities and challenges of our future energy and mobility systems and have found a fruitful research and teaching environment to develop my knowledge and skills in these areas.''

I chose to study Innovation Sciences at the Geosciences Faculty, because of its emphasis on the broader social dimension of innovation and questioning its purpose. I’m fascinated by the opportunities and challenges of our future energy and mobility systems and have found a fruitful research and teaching environment to develop my knowledge and skills in these areas.

For my bachelor, I studied Philosophy & Economics at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. I did have doubts about fulfilling all the entry requirements. Therefore, I think that a convincing motivation letter is crucial.

The first highlight I encountered during my study was when I discovered my love for data-driven insights when I was comparing the climate change mitigation technology networks in Germany and France – and that the R code actually worked. I also really liked the moment when we were bridging academic rigor with practical use as student consultants on the sustainable energy transition – and received a lot of appreciation for our results from our client organization.