15 From 2016, he was associate professor in Bioinformatics. In July 2024, he became professor in Biobased Innovations. In his current role, he sets the frameworks for the research group and sets the course. One of his missions is to eliminate the distinction between research and education. "We are HAN University of Applied Sciences, with an emphasis on ‘applied’. In other words, we learn together with students and develop knowledge together. Actually, much like a traditional university does. A traditional university of applied sciences had courses, in which information was shared with students classically and through worn-out experiments. But the world is evolving so quickly that students are not adequately prepared for the field in that way. Much more 'short-cycling' is needed in projects." CONTINUITY What will make him satisfied, looking back on his time as professor once he retires? "My parents ran a butcher shop. So, I firmly believe in the family business, a way of doing business not focused on profit but on continuity. If we are still relevant in 10 years, I will be very satisfied. But that will only be possible if we focus on developing knowledge that is needed in 10 years' time and if we manage to make large, long-term investments in people and facilities. That’s what I’m committed to." han.nl/biobased-innovations Christof Francke
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