- News
- 10/08/2026
This is what happened on campus (and beyond) this summer
While many students and staff enjoyed a summer break, things were anything but quiet at TU/e. From a world championship for the robot soccer team to a solar-powered ambulance, prestigious research grants, and a renewed MediaLAB: these are the most notable developments of the past summer.
Summer University
Those who stayed in Eindhoven this summer had plenty to do. Thanks to Summer University, students and staff could take part in more than sixty activities. More than 400 TU/e community members participated in the program, accounting for over 1,400 tickets.
Dutch language courses, cooking workshops, and sports activities were especially popular; some activities even had long waiting lists. The organizers describe the first edition as a success and are exploring how popular activities can be continued in the future.
Robot football team wins ninth world title
This summer, Tech United’s robot football team once again won the world championship in South Korea. With their conical robots on wheels, the TU/e team became world champions for the ninth time at the RoboCup.
A new development this year was participation in the humanoid robot football competition. Instead of using the standard software of the new robots, Tech United chose to adapt the software it developed for its conical robots for humanoid robots. A podium finish was not yet within reach—the team was eliminated in the preliminary rounds—but the participation provided valuable new knowledge and experience, according to the team.
Solar-powered ambulance
Student team Solar Team Eindhoven presented Stella Juva this summer, which it says is the world’s first ambulance powered entirely by solar energy. The vehicle was developed to make medical care accessible in remote areas where fuel, electricity, and reliable roads are scarce.
Stella Juva brings healthcare workers to patients instead of the other way around and can power medical equipment directly using solar energy. In August, the team will travel to Kenya to test the ambulance in practice together with healthcare organization Amref Health Africa.
New top researcher
This summer, TU/e welcomed a new leading researcher. Thanks to the NWO Tulip Fund, Abhishek Singh Dahiya is coming to Eindhoven, where he will start working as an assistant professor in Electrical Engineering in mid-August.
Dahiya researches energy-efficient computer technology based on 2D nanomaterials. His work aims to contribute to more sustainable chips and computers that consume less energy for applications such as AI, data centers, and other smart technologies.
New collective labor agreement finalized
The new collective labor agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities 2026–2027 was finalized this summer. From July 1, 2026, employees will receive an average salary increase of 4.1 percent and a one-time gross payment of 1,534 euros. The increase and payment will be processed in September.
Top distinction for Philip de Goey
Emeritus professor Philip de Goey (Mechanical Engineering) received the prestigious Ya. B. Zeldovich Gold Medal this summer, one of the highest international honors in the field of combustion research. The award is presented every two years to scientists who have made exceptional contributions to the field.
The distinction recognizes De Goey’s impressive career. He is internationally known for his pioneering work on metal fuels, including iron powder as a circular fuel.
Record number of TU/e researchers receive Veni grants
TU/e secured a record number of Veni grants this summer. No fewer than eleven young researchers will receive funding from NWO of up to 320,000 euros to further develop their own research lines.
The research projects range from smart soft robots and trustworthy AI to medical innovations. Luuk van Laake, for example, is investigating how soft robots can perform complex tasks, while Hilde Weerts is developing new ways to better assess the performance of algorithms.
New MediaLAB brings stories to life
This summer, TU/e opened its renewed MediaLAB: a modern audiovisual workspace for the entire university community. What started out as a place for creating short educational videos has grown into a versatile studio for podcasts, videos, interviews, and educational productions.
In the renewed MediaLAB in Neuron, students, researchers, lecturers, and staff can work with professional equipment themselves or receive support with their productions.
Caught in the act
The campus may be quieter during the summer, but security remains vigilant. On the night of July 24, two men displaying suspicious behavior were spotted near the construction site around Gemini-Zuid. One of them was collecting cables, which are frequent targets of theft because of the copper they contain. Security intercepted the men, after which police questioned them. Burglary tools and drugs were found.
New learning platform
This summer, TU/e launched the new Staff Learning Hub: one central place where employees can find learning and development opportunities, such as courses in leadership, communication, and digital literacy. The platform brings existing offerings together and adds new online courses from various service departments.
With the new environment, TU/e aims to better support employees in their professional development. The learning platform provides access to training courses and development activities that match employees’ roles, interests, and learning needs.
Bicycle tunnel closed
The Dutmala tunnel, the bicycle tunnel next to the sports center, will remain closed until Friday, August 21. At the beginning of July, the municipality started work to improve, among other things, water drainage and lighting. During the Introduction week, students will therefore still have to take a slightly longer cycling route to reach TU/e campus from the north side.
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