Practice-based research at universities of applied sciences

Development of practice-based research

Practice-based research is a relatively new task for universities of applied sciences. In 2001, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO-raad) (legal predecessor of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH)) concluded a covenant to reinforce the knowledge function of universities of applied sciences by appointing professors and developing lectorates. Since the conclusion of this covenant, structural and temporary funds have been released by the central government for the development of this research function, which we know today as practice-based research. 

In the Administrative Agreement on Higher Education and Science in 2022, it was agreed that the Minister of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) would invest 100 million annually in the first and second flow of funds for practice-based research. In 2023, these funds were fully disbursed for the first time. The administrative agreement also stipulates that the VH will improve the monitoring of the use of funds for research. Commissioned by the VH, the Rathenau Institute therefore released the second Monitor practice-based research in 2026. 

Practice-based research is characterised by its connection with professional practice and education. To enable this connection, networks are essential: connection and cooperation with professional practice, education and other knowledge institutions working on the same or adjacent themes. That is why practice-based research, from the question to the implementation of the final product, takes place in networks of parties from education, research and professional practice. 

Resources for practice-based research increase

The three largest funding flows of practice-based research are the first flow of funds, the second flow of funds and the third flow of funds. As the figure below shows, the total funds spent on practice-based research have increased by more than fivefold over the period 2009-2024. Funds for practice-based research increased from €101 million in 2009 to €511 million in 2024. In 2024, 57% of research funds came from the first flow of funds (government funding), 36% from the second flow of funds and less than a tenth from the third flow of funds and other funds.  

As compared to 2023, total funds increased by 14% in 2024. The second flow of funds showed the largest increase: 23%. The first flow of funds increased by 9% and the third flow of funds by 14%. In 2023 as compared to 2022, first, second and third flow of funds increased by 34%, 22% and 8%, respectively. The large increase of the first flow of funds in 2023 was due to the fact that funds from the Administrative Agreement on Higher Education and Science in 2022 were fully disbursed for the first time. 

Universities of applied sciences contribute more resources to research 

Universities of applied sciences contribute part of the state contribution that is actually intended for educational activities to research (first flow of funds) to give practice-based research an extra boost. In 2022, 38% of the total funds deployed in the first-flow funding came from additional funds intended for educational activities. In 2023, this share decreased to 29% of the total deployed first-flow funds. However, the absolute contribution remains the same as in 2022: around €75 million. In 2024, this share increased to 31%. The absolute contribution of €90 million explains the increase of the first flow of funds in 2024 for a large part.  
 

Number of professors increased

As observed in 2023 as well, the extra resources lead to an increase in research staff. However, this increase is less strong as compared to 2023. In 2024, the number of professors increased by 2%, whereas in 2023 the increase was 7%. The figure below shows the growth in the number of professors, both in number of persons and FTE. Up to and including 2009, the number of professors grew rapidly: from 270 in 2007 to 486 in 2009. After this, growth continues steadily. The focus in the development of the lectorates has further shifted from growth to perpetuation through firmer embedding and professionalisation. 

Between 2009 and 2024 the average part-time factor ranged from 0.53 (2010) to 0.70 (2023 and 2024). In 2023, the growth in FTE professors was relatively strong: 11% as compared to 2022. The number of FTE professors grew faster than the number of professors in persons, indicating that the average part-time factor of the professor appointment increased. In 2024, the increase in FTE professors was less strong: 2% (from 539 FTE in 2023 to 553 FTE in 2024). 

In 2022, 80% of professors had a permanent appointment. In 2023, the proportion of professors with a permanent appointment decreased to 67%. Newly appointed professors are more likely to have temporary appointments. In 2024, the share of professors with a permanent appointment increased to 73%. Almost a third of the professors had a double appointment (database on professors, Regieorgaan SIA). In this case, the professor has an appointment with the university of applied sciences in addition to an appointment with industry, university or another institution. In 2024, 44% of all professors were women (2023: 41%, 2019: 39%).  

In the figure below, we see that most professors are active within STEM, healthcare and economics. We also see that the agro and food, healthcare, STEM and arts sectors have above-average numbers of professors in relation to the proportion of students, whereas in the economy sector, this proportion is below average, comparable to 2023. The number of professors in relation to the proportion of students differs per field of research, depending on to which extent research plays a role in the specific field. 

Size of lectorates increases

The lectorate is the basis of practice-based research. In addition to one or more professors, each lectorate consists of lecturer-researchers, PhD students, postdocs and support staff. Staff at lectorates usually have a part-time appointment for their work for the lectorate. For example, the average part-time factor among lecturer-researchers is 0.33 and among PhD students 0.49 (2024). For a picture of the overall development over time, we therefore look at the development of the number of FTEs. 

In the figure below, we see that not only the number of professors is growing, but also the other staff involved. Looking at the development of staff at lectorates, we see a 5% increase in the total number of FTEs in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2023 the staff at lectorates increased by 13%. 

The number of support staff (in FTE) increased the most: by 31% as compared to 2023 in which the increase was 27%. Additionally, the number of PhD’s increased by 11% (FTE). The number of FTE lecturer-researchers decreased by 4% in 2024, whereas their numbers (in person) increased by 2%. This shows that lecturer-researchers have less time available for research in their appointment. 

Another thing that stands out is the increase in the number of postdocs. Until 2021, the hbo-postdoc scheme offered an allowance for appointing a postdoc for 2 years. Postdocs appointed under this scheme finished by 2023. This may explain the decrease in the number of postdocs (-28%) in 2023 compared to 2022 (FTE). In 2024 the number of FTE postdocs increased by 20%. 

In 2023 the start of the pilot for the position of professional doctorate took place, a PhD track at a university of applied sciences. In 2024, 61 candidates are employed at 15 universities of applied sciences in the seven fields in which the pilot is taking place.

Connection to education

Education at universities of applied sciences prepares students for professional practice. High-quality education and a good connection to professional practice require continuous renewal of the curriculum.  

A measure of the connection of research with education is the number of students per professor. The number of students per professor (FTE) decreased from 1388 in 2011 through 986 in 2022 to 860 in 2023. In 2024 this number decreased further to 818 students per professor.  

The number and focus of Centres of Expertise remains stable

Practice-based research at universities of applied sciences is working towards full integration in the knowledge ecosystem at regional, national and international levels. This means that universities of applied sciences are increasingly seen by other knowledge institutions as fully-fledged knowledge partners in tackling societal issues. Universities of applied sciences are more often involved in a granted application in 2024 than in 2023. There is also more emphasis on connecting national expertise with relevant European developments. 

In recent years, universities of applied sciences have developed their own profiles in which choices have been made in terms of educational offering, research and focus. One way in which they can specifically implement this focus is through the ‘Centres of Expertise’. In these public-private or public-public ecosystems, companies, researchers, teachers, students and professionals work together on societal challenges and transitions. The Centres of Expertise have a considerable size and approach complex societal challenges from multiple disciplines.  

In 2024, universities of applied sciences together had 46 Centres of Expertise (see figure below). The number of Centres of Expertise remains stable in the last five years, indicating that universities of applied sciences stick to their chosen profile. It also indicates that the focus of practice-based research has shifted from laying a foundation to professionalisation and strengthening.