“We want students to experience how dynamic and relevant the biotechnology industry is,” says Fenneke Jolink, Project Manager at Planet B.io. “This Pressure Cooker Week gave the students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences a good idea of which companies operate on the campus and what these companies are working on. In short, how things work in practice.”
Why a Pressure Cooker Week?
The concept of a Pressure Cooker Week is working under time pressure. Students had limited time to work out the case study and a brief opportunity to ask the client, DAB.bio, questions. At the end of the week, they presented their findings. “For example, they only had 20 minutes to ask questions on two occasions,” explains Jolink. “This time pressure forced them to set priorities and to work together efficiently.”
From theory to practice
As well as working out the case study, the students were also able to perform practical work on their own. In the Education Lab, they experimented with making yogurt under the guidance of dsm‑firmenich’s Delft-based Taste, Texture & Health division. They investigated how different bacterial cultures affect properties such as texture and acidity. This tangible example provided insight into the functioning of microbiological processes within food production.
The students also visited Plant One Delft [our pilot plant for upscaling processes that have been tested in the lab or producing new products] where they gained insight into the operations of a pilot facility.
“The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience meant that this was an incredibly valuable week,” says Jolink. “Students were able to see what goes on and get to work themselves.” The practical experience and company visits made an impression: many students immediately submitted internship applications to the companies they visited.
The Education Lab: a hub for collaboration
Planet B.io’s new Education Lab played a pivotal role in the Pressure Cooker Week. The lab is designed to bring education and business together and to encourage practical learning. It builds on Planet B.io’s previous collaborations with Inholland University of Applied Sciences and the Shared Service Lab [Planet B.io’s laboratory, which can be hired on a flexible basis by educational institutions and local businesses]. “It’s more than a physical space,” stresses Jolink. “It’s a place where students and companies work together to meet real challenges. This offers students valuable experience and gives companies access to motivated talent.”
The Hague University of Applied Sciences on the collaboration
The Hague University of Applied Sciences looks back on the week with enthusiasm: “The collaboration with Planet B.io has greatly enriched our students. Access to advanced facilities such as the Education Lab and the exposure to real biotechnological challenges has inspired them and opened doors to internship opportunities.”
Looking to the future
The Pressure Cooker Week is just the beginning. “We want to extend these types of collaborations to other university colleges and vocational education; private education is also very welcome here,” says Jolink. By offering programs such as these, Planet B.io is setting a new standard for practical learning and cooperation in biotechnology.
Would you be interested in a collaboration? You can contact Fenneke Jolink at fenneke.jolink@planet-b.io.
Like to know more about Planet B.io? Visit: www.planet-b.io
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These initiatives are co-financed by the Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Area [a partnership of 21 municipalities in the Rotterdam-The Hague region] and Kansen voor West (Opportunities for the West) [a European subsidy program for the provinces of North and South Holland, Utrecht, Flevoland and the four major cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht].
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photo: Innovation and education meet at Planet B.io's Education Lab