Expertise & research centre Innovative Bio-Monitoring
In collaboration with Naturalis, HAS University of Applied Sciences has set up a new lectureship in Innovative Bio-Monitoring. The reason HAS University of Applied Sciences has established this lectureship is to contribute to protecting and maintaining our biodiversity, which is now under more pressure, than ever before. Developments such as intensive agriculture, urbanisation and climate change have undesirably reduced the diversity of animal and plant species, with all the adverse consequences this has on our ecosystem. This is why it is becoming increasingly important to take stock of our biodiversity, measure losses and monitor the effects of intervention.
Aim of the lectureship in Innovative Bio-Monitoring
As the name suggests, the aim of the new research group is to apply innovative bio-monitoring techniques to concrete social issues, to validate them and to develop them further. The challenge is to look for new unexpected smart combinations and applications of techniques that make the detection and monitoring of species easy or easier, and which will contribute to the early and effective deployment of nature and other conservation measures.
Bearing in mind the expertise of Naturalis, the lectureship focuses primarily on 2 specific techniques for species recognition:
- Environmental and non-environmental DNA
- Automatic image and sound recognition
Both techniques are ideal for applied research.
In addition, the programme focuses on 3 specific species groups:
- Invasive and non-invasive exotics
- Rare and/or protected species that are hard to detect
- Plagues and infestations
Surrounded by real-life projects
The research topics of the lectureship are linked directly to the topics covered in the study programme. This enables students to benefit from the knowledge and experience they acquire during their studies and to build on it through real practical assignments. The lectureship also focuses strongly on cooperation inside and outside HAS University of Applied Sciences:
- Other lectureships
- Knowledge centres
- The local water authorities
- Other educational institutions
Naturalis as a partner
Unique to this lectureship is the collaboration with Naturalis, the biodiversity institute in the Netherlands. Naturalis has always been a well-known partner of universities and academic institutions when it comes to carrying out fundamental scientific research. With the establishment of the 'Innovative Bio-Monitoring' lectureship at HAS University of Applied Sciences, Naturalis is now also committed to applied research. Employees at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre are making an active contribution to the network of expertise associated with the new lectureship.