EngD Program: Co-creating Regenerative Areas

The REGENL program aims to develop a sustainable, future-proof countryside in which farming contributes in a positive manner to the landscape, the environment and the overall quality of life. The interaction of such ‘regenerative agriculture’ with the surrounding landscape is a crucial topic, as this should ensure that negative externalities are minimized while synergies are maximized. To ensure that we will design the best spatial configurations of various types of regenerative agriculture within the landscapes, we are hiring five Engineering Doctorate candidates. These five candidates will collaborate closely, with each other and with a range of stakeholders, to design multiple regenerative landscapes. We are looking for candidates with knowledge on:
Nutrient cycles and nutrient exchange with the surrounding environment (position 1);
Water management and hydrological environmental interactions (position 2);
Movement / dispersion of species (plants and animals) across adjacent land uses (position 3);
Social-cultural-historical landscape geography (position 4);
Agricultural and leisure economics (position 5).

Your central challenge is to use scientific methods to cocreate regenerative landscapes in a way that supports both economic viability and sustainable environmental outcomes.About the Program This EngD position is part of the Dutch government-funded program RE-GE-NL, which supports the transition from conventional to regenerative, profitable, and socially supported farming. Regenerative agriculture is a form of farming that combines food production with ecosystem restoration and prevents soil depletion. The project contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future for Dutch farming enterprises.

The two-year post-master program leads to an Engineering Doctorate (EngD), certified by the Dutch Certification Committee for Technological Design (CCTO). You will work under expert supervision at the Land Use Planning chair group, combining academic rigor with practical experience.What You Will Gain
Advanced project management skills, design and research skills in a real-world context
A strong foundation in communication and (stakeholder) collaboration
A prestigious EngD degree and a smoother path into industry or policy roles