Tim was won over. And we, too, were quickly convinced of a 'perfect fit'. Now, five months later, this role - later given the more telling title of 'program manager' - does indeed seem to fit him like a glove. Time to give him the floor.
Tim, tell us: what exactly does your role at MindLabs entail?
At my start, there was a firm ambition. It was clear what had to be created: multidisciplinary collaborations between students from across the educational spectrum - i.e. MBO, HBO and WO - and the business world. With the aim of applying new technology to issues in society. And in such a way that everyone learns from it. The 'how', i.e. the way in which, was still completely open. I was given a kind of license to shape this.
And does it succeed?
Almost six months on, something now stands within which everything comes together: Futures Lab; a hybrid learning environment. Within the MindLabs team and also outside, mountains of work have been put into this. With more and more partners, experts and great issues from the field, there is now a wonderful internship program. With a concrete start date. After over fifty applications and dozens of interviews, about ten students have now been selected to start at Futures Lab next semester.
Within this program, we develop knowledge about virtual humans, generative AI and Extended Reality (VR/AR/MR). This knowledge will be applied within healthcare, education and media. There is a lot of potential in this, became immediately noticeable. Among other things, through the nice participations that have already come about. I think every party involved will benefit. And that we really make an impact on society with these collaborations.
Then you were given another role?
True. I also recently became project leader of a research project that is now coming to fruition after a successful grant application. We are analyzing how virtual humans can be used in society. This also provides another interesting interaction with Futures Lab. On the one hand, because educational institutions are also involved here to conduct research. And because subprojects also arise from this, which are interesting for Futures Lab students.
Why does this work suit you so well?
Without ever having looked at it with education eyes, I spent the last four years at my previous employer running and developing a similar initiative; a learning environment. So that experience was a perfect fit. And anyway, my 20 years of experience in 'digital' obviously is helpful. But I think it also helps that I am just incredibly curious about new technology. And love to talk about it. Preferably optimistically, with rose-tinted glasses. To encourage people to get started with it. In that enthusiasm, you might find the 'quartermaster' they were looking for. Who likes to be ahead of his time, create new things and motivate people.
Why is your position within MindLabs important, do you think?
It was time for the next step. For a concrete tool, to offer to both companies and students. To thereby facilitate those multidisciplinary collaborations more easily. But also, to properly share what is learned. And to clarify what new developments mean for society. Because I could now set up Futures Lab from my role, this is really going to work. It's going to be something beautiful. As a hybrid learning environment, which we would eventually also like to see transformed into a knowledge platform. We really want to focus on sharing knowledge gained.
Can you talk more about projects that will run within Futures Lab?
Definitely! Among other things, we would like to explore how our virtual colleague MAI can take on more of the role of 'host' both digitally but also in the physical premises. And in doing so, explore interactions between virtual humans and real people.
Digital accessibility will also receive attention. Research shows that 25% of our population has less or no access to digital products, such as websites and apps, due to a disability. An important topic, therefore. Especially since laws and regulations are on their way to put more tests on this. We are finding out how AI can help automate this testing. And at the same time, we want to contribute to more awareness around this problem.
Finally, one project I can mention is digital transformation at small and medium-sized enterprises in Central Brabant. This involves talented students working together with experts to help various SMEs with digital issues. For example, in terms of data, chatbots, or AI. Or for developing digital products. All this fits perfectly with the ambition of the Digital Workshop Midden & Zuidoost Brabant, one of the possible creators of Futures Lab.
What do you like best about your role?
The people. I like having contact with students. And with the professionals, both from education and business. But I also like the content. I think it's too cool to be involved with technology again in this role. But then focused less on marketing and more on society. It sounds cliché, but solving social problems is something that makes me happy and gives me satisfaction.
The working week has just started. What are you looking forward to this week?
Night of the nerds! This is a gathering, just during the day, by the way, for 13- to 18-year-olds. Who I get to warm up to new technology in a tech talk. A treat, I think. However, I also look forward to getting to know the adopted students. The very first batch, which will start in the Futures Lab internship program after the summer. Nice to officially welcome them and realize that we are really getting started. I can't wait to create the first cases and share outcomes with all involved.