Last week, it was announced that all 15 applications for the first KIN Knowledge in Action Grant “Collective Water Management East Brabant” have been awarded. Congratulations to all applicants and thanks to the members of the assessment committee for their careful work.
Last week, it was announced that all 15 applications for the first KIN Knowledge in Action Grant “Collective Water Management East Brabant” have been awarded. Congratulations to all applicants and thanks to the members of the assessment committee for their careful work.
About the Knowledge-in-Action Grant
With the Knowledge-in-Action grant, KIN challenges knowledge institutions and civil society organisations to jointly submit proposals for transformative, experimental projects within KIN’s broader Knowledge-in-Action programme line – this time in the field of Collective Water Management in East Brabant.
The Knowledge in Action programme had its kick-off just before the summer with a Crutzen workshop in which a diverse group of experts (researchers, policymakers, civil society parties) managed to outline a work programme in a short period of time. The programme focuses on the transition to collective water management in the East Brabant region in order to offer a sustainable and equitable solution to the increasing water (and drought) problems.
Applications for the Knowledge in Action grant could be submitted on various (sub)themes from the agenda, which was compiled on the basis of input gathered during the Crutzen workshop and a preliminary transition analysis. The grant was open to anyone who wants to connect science and practice for climate transitions. Collaboration had to be central to the application, with teams consisting of at least one knowledge institution and at least one social organisation.
The 15 Knowledge in Action projects Collective Water Management East Brabant
The following projects have had their applications approved. They will take action in the coming period to bring science and practice together for Collective Water Management in East Brabant.
1. Pilot Collective Water Management Mariapeel
(Sub)theme: Working methods dealing with water differently
Collaboration partners RGM Meeuwissen/Gerwin de Vries (Flux Landscape Architecture), Fransje Hooijmeijer (TUD)
Together with various stakeholders and landowners (farmers, nature managers, and the water board), Flux and
TU Delft aim to conduct a scenario study to explore the development of a collective water system in the
Mariapeel. Through a sketch-based and design-driven approach, different future scenarios will be examined
and made comparable. The results will be broadly accessible, precise, and visually compelling. The study will
focus on the functioning of the future water system during wet and dry periods, the spatial implications for
land use in the Mariapeel, and the potential for new forms of collaboration between nature and agriculture.
While the findings are directly relevant to the Mariapeel, they will also offer insights for developing collective
water management in similar regions.
2. Water awareness in the classroom: learning with and from water in East Brabant
(Sub)theme Culture: valuing water differently
Collaboration partners Harm van Kuppevelt (HAS); Lindy Damen (EVRGreen Studio); Bart Huckriede (Municipality of Land van Cuijk); Piet Blankers (De Nieuwste School)
East Brabant faces increasing water stress from droughts, cloudbursts, and declining groundwater. This project strengthens high-school students’ water awareness and fosters lasting behavior change. HAS Green Academy and EVRgreen Studio co-create a module with two workshops, a field activity for local water-quality monitoring (citizen science), and an XR experience that makes water issues tangible. Students collect and analyze data and share outcomes at a regional Water Festival, building ownership and agency. The intervention is evaluated (pre/post) and iteratively improved, producing open educational resources and a scaling roadmap. The project advances the KIN agenda’s Subtheme 1: valuing water differently through culture change.
3. The Voice of the Dommel River Basin: Cultural Change for Regenerative Water Management
(Sub)theme Culture: valuing water differently
Collaboration partners Ton van Kollenburg, Marit Jansen, Ewelina Schraven, Eveline de Meij (Avans University of Applied Sciences); Anne van Strien; Joost van der Cruijsen (De Dommel Water Authority)
Resocialising the Dommel Area. This project aims to resocialise the Dommel area, an area where many interests merge. We aim o gain insight into how to accelerate the cultural shift required for a transition toward collective, regenerative water
stewardship, rather than management. Our approach is multivocal. Through Sensory Walks and the Regeneratiekamer (artistic intervention), we articulate both human and non-human perspectives, with the Dommel as an active projectpartner. These insights are synthesised into a ‘Web of Interests’ (WvB), a practical design to guide policymakers’ informed regenerative choices. Furthermore, we develop Pathways to Connection (multimodal knowledge transfer) to contribute to a collectively supported, regenerative approach to water stewardship.
4. Young Water Innovators programme
(Sub)theme Culture: valuing water differently
Collaboration partners Carien van der Have, Tjeu van Bussel (DRIFT); Floris de Boer (Technotrend Foundation)
The research proposal Young Water Innovators Program explores how education can foster a renewed appreciation of water. We aim to design and pilot a challenge-based learning program for a secondary school in Brabant East. Our hypothesis is that systems thinking and practice-oriented challenges, where students tackle complex water-related issues, can shift attitudes and strengthen competencies for active citizenship. The collaboration between Stichting Technotrend and DRIFT combines practical experience with scientific transition knowledge. The research focuses on program design and the development of an evaluation method to assess the impact on water appreciation and its transformative potential.
5. The role of climate-resilient agriculture in collective water management in East Brabant: a social cost-benefit analysis
(Sub)theme Working methods: dealing with water differently
Collaboration partners Daan Groot, Melissa Diele, Jort Jorritsma (De Natuurverdubbelaars); Ellen Weerman, Aafke Schaap, Janne Hemminiki (HAS); Liza Simons (Van Gogh National Park)
This project explores how a future-proof agricultural system can be developed through collective water management in stream valley landscapes. We examine how farmers, water authorities and governments can collaborate on solutions for more resilient water and soil management. Two scenarios are compared: one where farming adapts to natural water and soil processes, and one that relies mainly on technical measures. Using an environmental cost-benefit analysis, we assess which approach is economically viable, what benefits arise for society, and how costs can be shared fairly. The project contributes to a just and sustainable water transition in East Brabant.
6. Scientific integration and dissemination
(Sub)theme Scientific integration and dissemination
Collaboration partners Ellen Weerman, Veerle Joosen, Frederike Praasterink (HAS); Lorin Kamperman, Anna Noyon (INK)
This subproject focuses on the integration of scientific knowledge and practical knowledge that will be gathered in the A section of this call. By applying the X-curve methodology, transition processes are analyzed and drivers identified through stakeholder workshops. The approach consists of five steps: defining the transition system, data collection in strategic sessions, thematic data analysis, validation with stakeholders, and knowledge consolidation. Results are shared within the Research Network Climate Resilient Sandy Soils and documented in a scientific article. In this way, practical knowledge is scientificized, and scientific insights are translated into concrete actions that support and accelerate the water transition.
7. Brainport Circular Water Hub – from individual initiatives to collective water management
(Sub)theme Structure: organising water differently
Collaboration partners Paul Desmedt (Eindhoven Engine); Pascal Etman (TU/e)
The growing Brainport region faces a major water challenge due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and
climate change. By 2040, more water must be retained and less extracted. The region offers opportunities
through its networks and innovative capacity. Collaboration between government, businesses, knowledge
institutions, and society is crucial. The Brainport region excels at this quadruple helix approach. Eindhoven
Engine, TU/e, and partners will explore a collective model for future-proof water management in cocreation.
The goal is to use the same water multiple times within a chain of companies, public agencies,
agriculture, and residents, and return it to nature in optimal quality.”
8. Between power and movement System configurations for connecting collective water management in East Brabant
(Sub)theme Structure: organising water differently
Collaboration partners Marijn van Asseldonk ( Het PON & Telos); Eva Wolf (Tilburg University); Lianne van Genugten (Studio LvG)
The water transition requires new forms of collaboration and ownership that move beyond technical solutions. This practice-oriented research by Het PON & Telos, Tilburg University, and social designer Lianne van Genugten examines how power relations, conflicts of interest, and administrative inertia hinder innovation. Across three case studies, system constellations are used to reveal hidden dynamics—such as emotions, interests, and power structures—that shape collaboration between actors. This method fosters reflection, collective learning, and new action perspectives. The project offers insights into alternative governance models emphasizing collective ownership and socio-spatial innovation to strengthen transformative processes in water governance.
9. Visualising the Water Compass
(Sub)theme Social integration
Collaboration partners Lorin Kamperman, Anna Noyon (INK); Ellen Weerman, Veerle Joosen (HAS)
Together with substantive project partners and stakeholders, we translate the Water Compass into a public narrative and recognisable images for each stakeholder. In three workshops, we work iteratively towards a shared narrative and, in the final workshop, we translate this shared language and values into inspiring scenes (with AI-generated images) with concrete perspectives for action. We then combine this with design principles and the Canvas in an accessible publication and distribute it through education, culture, media, businesses and governments.
10. Designing a shared vision – Water Compass
(Sub)theme Organisational integration
Collaboration partners Lorin Kamperman, Anna Noyon (INK); Ellen Weerman, Veerle Joosen (HAS)
In East Brabant the water challenge is urgent yet fragmented. Within this project we build a backbone that connects separate initiatives into one movement for collective water management. Together with stakeholders we create a Water
Compass: shared values and decision rules that put water and soil first. We translate this into a joint Canvas that
helps projects test choices and align. We work through three strategic sessions and short learning sprints—try,
reflect, adjust. This fits the Knowledge-in-Action agenda: linking knowledge, culture and organization into action with
transferable tools and clear roles for all.
11. New role, fair choices: the water board as director of the water transition. About fairly weighing values and interests before decisions determine the future.
(Sub)themes Structure: organising water differently
Collaboration partners Nienke van Schie, Iman van Rossum (PM); Jitske van Popering-Verkerk (GovernEUR); Henriëtte Graveland (Waterschap de Dommel)
“In this action research, we search for fair decision-making in the water transition. The water transition requires a change in the role of the water boards: from implementer to service provider. How can a water board, in this role, prevent only the loudest voices from being heard and make decisions that contribute to long-term transition goals, even if they cause short-term pain? In two case studies we reconstruct and ‘preconstruct‘ decision-making processes together with those involved. We develop a perspective for action for fair, inclusive and future-proof water management, in which decisions needed for future generations are taken with justice.”
12. Values in water management: A collective story
(Sub)theme Culture: valuing water differently
Collaboration partners Marie Barel, Markus Berger, Rick Hogeboom, Lara Wöhler, Meadow Poplawsky, Christoph Euringer (UT); Alfons Uijtewaal (Stichting Huize Aarde)
Currently, water management in the Netherlands is primarily driven by economic considerations, with other environmental, social, and cultural aspects of water use not being given sufficient consideration. Through a series of three events, we aim to encourage all stakeholders in East Brabant to reflect on the various functions of water and how they value them. Through creative, collaborative activities such as workshops, a guided walk and serious games sessions, this project brings together users and managers to collectively finding solutions so that water management can adapt to upcoming challenges, especially the increasing scarcity of the resource.
13. MeanderMonitor: Crowd-sourced flood and drought monitoring for optimal river meander design
(Sub)theme Structure Organising water differently
Collaboration partners Roeland C. van de Vijsel, Nick Wallerstein (WUR); Michelle Berg (De Dommel Water Authority)
Meandering rivers in East Brabant were straightened in the past to quickly drain water. This reduced species richness and the landscape’s capacity to buffer floods and droughts. Water boards nowadays restore meanders, but this raises societal questions about potential impacts on local inundation. MeanderMonitor enables citizens to measure flow and water levels in river bends using their smartphone. Information signs explain meander restoration and how to collect measurements. Measurements are automatically analyzed and visualized online. Citizens thereby help – alongside scientists and water boards – in finding which meander shape minimizes local inundation while maximizing landscape-scale flood and drought attenuation.
14. BUFFER ZONE
(Sub)theme Culture: valuing water differently
Collaboration partners Ties van Daal (DRIFT); Erik van Lieshout; Suzanne Weenink
“We investigate how farmers, water and nature in De Peel region can be reconnected and appreciated in
times of climate change. By working together with farmers and other system-actors, we explore how new narratives, and valuations can contribute to sustainable water management and ecological resilience. This making-as-research brings together different perspectives and focuses on learning, designing and experimenting in practice. This provides insight into how local communities deal with drought and water shortages, and how caring for water becomes a shared responsibility, resulting in a future-proof Peel where water is valued as a living system.
15. Exploring Water Credits for Corporate Engagement in Collective Water Management in East Brabant
(Sub)theme: Working methods: dealing with water differently
Collaboration partners Rick Hogeboom (UT); Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa (Water Footprint Implementation)
A successful and fair water transition requires a contributions from all stakeholders, including companies. Unfortunately, private sector involvement in water management is limited. This project therefore aims to more actively engage local companies in East-Brabant in local water management. We do so by probing a novel water credit system. Water credits are a way to measure positive water impact and make this investable. We connect scientific knowledge with a market-oriented approach using five promising impact projects. Proceeds from the water credits support improvements to local water systems through much needed new sources of private sector funding.
Assessment committee
The assessment committee for the Knowledge in Action Grant consisted of:
- Lorenzo Squintani (chair), Wubbo Ockels School for Energy & Climate, University of Groningen
- Marianne Aalbersberg, TNO
- Tim van Hattum, Wageningen University & Research
- Marnix van der Kruis, De Dommel Water Authority
- Frank van Lamoen, Province of North Brabant
- Mattijs Taanman, ERBS/EUR
- Ellen Tromp, Deltares
In the coming period, we will of course keep you informed of relevant developments within the projects and other news related to the Knowledge in Action Grant for Collective Water Management in East Brabant.