On April 17th, Brightsite once again opened its doors for the annual Meet our Scientists event – affectionately known as the “Beer and Bitterballen” gathering. The result? An engaging afternoon filled with insightful conversations, visual inspiration, and surprising new perspectives – all enjoyed with a bitterbal in one hand and a beer in the other.
The event offered site users, partners, students, and other interested visitors an accessible way to connect with Brightsite researchers – and most importantly, with their work.
Posters as a Gateway to Insight
At the heart of the event were the poster presentations created by researchers to showcase their projects. Each initiative had a dedicated space in the meeting area, where the scientists were ready to explain their work. From the electrification of chemical processes and innovative circular technologies to advanced process digitalization, the diversity of topics demonstrated the broad scope of Brightsite’s research.
The posters served as visual conversation starters. Rather than long lectures or highly technical presentations, visitors could freely explore, stop where intrigued, and engage directly with researchers. The approach worked: from interns to seasoned process engineers, everyone felt free to ask questions and contribute ideas.
“I found it really refreshing,” said one visitor from a partner company. “You quickly get a sense of what the researchers are working on, and it’s easy to dive deeper into the topic. That can lead to ideas you might never come up with on paper.”
2025 Poster Award: Science Meets Applicability
As in previous years, a cash prize was awarded for the best poster presentation. The jury, consisting of Brightsite professors led by Emmo Meijer, evaluated the entries based on scientific quality and potential industrial applicability.
This year’s winning poster came from the team exploring the use of plasma technology for the chemical recycling of plastic waste, led by Shahriar Mirpour.
The € 5.000 prize will support further development of the research – to be spent at the team’s discretion.
The Power of an Informal Setting
The informal atmosphere of the event is by design. By setting aside formal structures, there is room for spontaneous interactions. “Beer and bitterballen may sound lighthearted,” said event coordinator Rinke Altink with a smile, “but they’re simply a way to spark conversations. And it works.” The open-door format – allowing attendees to come and go as their schedule permits – further adds to the event’s accessibility.
The result? A vibrant mix of discussions on future visions, current industrial challenges, and the desire to accelerate the application of research results. Students in particular found the event meaningful. “Here you’re talking to people who will actually work with the results of your research,” said a Master’s student from Maastricht University. “That’s incredibly motivating.”
Bridging Research and Application
Brightsite plays a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable chemical industry. As a collaboration between TNO, Maastricht University, Sitech Services, and Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Brightsite is focused on innovation with direct applicability. The Meet our Scientists event reinforces this mission: by bringing science out of the lab and into practical conversations, it fosters mutual understanding and collaboration.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
The 2025 edition was once again a success. For those who attended, it left them wanting more – and for those who missed it, there will be a new opportunity next year to experience the people and mission of Brightsite up close.
See you at Meet our Scientists 2026 – where science and practice come together.