Human Resources Transition

– Educate for sustainable chemistry

Making chemistry more sustainable not only poses challenges on a technical level, but also in terms of educating the engineers driving the transition and retaining talent for the region. Maastricht University (UM), in collaboration with Brightsite, is developing new programs within its Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) to educate the engineer of the future.

The Human Resources Transition basic program is centred around the UM bachelor’s degree Circular Engineering. During this bachelor students focus on circular chemical engineering, sustainable biotechnology, and engineering physics for sustainable manufacturing. These areas are align with the scientific and technical needs at Chemelot and the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. Students gain broad knowledge from various disciplines that are needed to reduce the impact of products and processes on the environment. The bachelor started in September 2021 and the first students graduated in September 2024.

The 2-year master’s degree Circular Engineering is being developed within the growth area. This master program will focus on the materials and waste economy and the raw materials transition of the chemical industry and will provide more depth. The curriculum will link to sustainable production at Chemelot and the technologies developed within Brightsite and more broadly at Chemelot. Technologies such as plasma chemistry and sustainability approaches via circularity, such as recycling and bio-based raw materials, will be important components. And students will also obtain knowledge about the societal context and regulatory frameworks. The master program is expected to start in September 2026.

StrongerCircle is supporting the efforts of Brightsite and UM by supporting all our education in Circular Engineering and developing routes to connect industry with students and educators of other higher education institutions.

Do you want to contribute, or use our services? Please contact program manager Gavin Phillips. We look forward to working with you!

Gavin Philips
Program Manager

Tel: +31 (0)6 28 04 38 48
g.philips@maastrichtuniversity.nl

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