New Year’s message from Marjan Hammersma: staying relevant in 2025 and beyond

2024 ended the same way it began for me. Quietly reflecting in the forests of Drenthe. While last January this was due to the start of my sabbatical, December’s holiday season in education offered a similar opportunity for contemplation.

Marjan Hammersma achter laptop

For me, 2024 was a special year. My wish to work in higher professional education came true at Avans, and it feels like a wonderful gift. I was warmly welcomed by my colleagues in Breda, Den Bosch, Roosendaal, and Tilburg. They not only introduced me to their valuable work but also offered me Bossche bollen and worstenbroodjes during our conversations. A gesture that perfectly symbolised their hospitality. Before I knew it, I felt right at home at Avans.

Dedication and pride

What immediately struck me was the dedication and pride with which all my colleagues work for Avans. Equally important, this is recognised by our students. I experience it firsthand, for instance, when walking from Den Bosch station to the Onderwijsboulevard alongside our students and hearing their enthusiasm for Avans. This appreciation is also reflected in the results of the Keuzegids hbo, which for the 10th (!) year in a row ranked Avans highly.

In my first months at Avans, I saw many things that left a strong impression. This began in September with the INTRO Festival in Breda. The event was professionally organised by colleagues, and it was wonderful to see our Integrated Safety students contributing to the safe execution of this event, which welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors.

Modular education

That same month, our new full-time students began their modular education programmes. These programmes offer more flexibility, make students more adaptable, and teach them to approach tasks from multiple perspectives. That is exactly what the professional field needs to tackle the complex social issues of today. A big compliment to all the colleagues who have worked tirelessly for years—and continue to do so—to realise this ambition through modular education.

In addition to choice-based education, collaboration is another key pillar of our Ambition 2025. Avans is making significant strides in this area. In December, I had the honor of signing a five-year collaboration agreement with PI Vught on behalf of Avans. A partnership that includes targeted training programmes, practice-oriented research, and knowledge exchange. A beautiful, and certainly not the only, example of how Avans wants to work.

The essential role of practice-oriented research

Contributing to the resolution of societal challenges requires practice-oriented research. As a knowledge institution, we collaborate with our professional partners to drive innovation and progress. Increasingly, education, research, and co-creation come together. A compelling result of this is the development of a minor on criminal money flows, which involved educators, researchers, and professional partners.

It’s clear that today’s higher education is vastly different from the education ‘of my time’. And that’s a good thing. The world is changing faster and faster, and we are adapting in response. Through choice-based education, practice-oriented research, knowledge exchange, and co-creation. By focusing on diversity, inclusion, and student well-being. Our aim is not only to educate skilled professionals but also to prepare individuals to engage with the world they live in, now and in the future.

Joining forces

We will continue to implement our Ambition 2025. For the future of our students, their children, and society as a whole. These are challenging times for higher education and for Avans. Times that demand creativity, tough decisions, and above all, collaboration. By joining forces, both within and beyond Avans, we will remain relevant. In 2025 and beyond.

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2025. I look forward to working with you in the new year!