Friday, November 3, 2023
On October 30, professionals and academics from various disciplines gathered for the LDE Medical Delta Healthy Society event focused on the theme 'Challenges of Healthy Societies.' The event marked the beginning of a new collaboration for health and well-being between the three faculties of Technology, Policy and Management, Industrial Design, and Architecture at Delft University of Technology, with the other LDE universities, colleges, and UMCs affiliated with Medical Delta.
With interactive activities, inspiring speakers, and the announcement of the LDE Medical Delta Healthy Society theme leaders, this was an afternoon filled with inspiration and promising perspectives for future collaborations.
The day began with a motivational keynote and Q&A by Prof. Dr. Nico van Meeteren, Director of Health~Holland. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary work and the pooling of knowledge from citizens, researchers, engineers, and policymakers for a healthy society.
A captivating panel discussion followed, with TU Delft deans Prof. Dr. Aukje Hassoldt (Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management), Prof. Dr. Ir. Caspar Chorus (Faculty of Industrial Design), and representative Prof. Dr. Ir. Carola Hein (Faculty of Architecture) discussing their new collaboration. Interesting topics such as economic incentives as motivation for healthy behavior, data integration in spatial planning, and the success of Healthy Society in bringing institutions together were explored. The panel illustrated the beginning of a promising collaboration.
An initiative aimed at promoting transdisciplinary collaboration between knowledge institutions and societal partners, the Healthy Society Map, was presented by David de Buisonjé. The map is designed to enhance information exchange between policy and research agendas on health topics. Attendees had the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on the six different theme cards providing insights into the health status of residents in South Holland and possible solution directions.
After a break with healthy snacks, an interactive fishbowl panel on interdisciplinary challenges followed with Prof. Dr. Judith Rietjens, Annet Bruil, Dr. Reinout Kleinhans, Dr. Lieke Oldenhof, and various participants.
Announcement of New Theme Leaders
One of the highlights of the day was the announcement of the executive board and theme leaders of the five new themes from the recently published LDE Medical Delta Healthy Society strategy by coordinators Prof. Dr. Andrea Evers and Dr. Sandra van Dijk. These theme leaders will independently develop activities and events within their themes and play a crucial role in forming partnerships, facilitating collaborations between projects, and deploying activities within South Holland. The announcement sparked much enthusiasm and anticipation for future initiatives.
The day concluded with a convivial reception and a networking activity, where participants could make thematic connections. The LDE Medical Delta Healthy Society event promoted the success of interdisciplinary collaboration within knowledge institutions and societal partners and emphasized the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration with societal partners for a healthy society.
