Stronger together in high tech: 125 years of collaboration between Leiden University and the Leiden Instrument Makers School
For 125 years, Leiden University and the Leiden Instrument Makers School (LiS) have worked together on science and technology. This partnership is more important than ever today, as demand for skilled high tech professionals is growing fast: by 2030, an additional 40,000 people will be needed.
The collaboration between Leiden University and the Leiden Instrument Makers School dates back to the early twentieth century. Physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes had a clear vision at the time: doing science by building experimental set‑ups and learning through hands‑on experimentation. When he could not find the right skilled workers, he decided to train them himself. That decision led to the founding of the LiS, literally right next to the laboratory where ground‑breaking research was taking place.
That closeness, both physical and intellectual, has never disappeared. Today, the university and the LiS are located together at the Leiden Bio Science Park, and their ties remain strong. ‘Without the university there would be no LiS, and without the LiS much of the research done here – and many innovations elsewhere – would simply not be possible,’ says Stef Vink, director of the LiS.
Everyday practice in the lab
This close connection is clearly visible in day‑to‑day work. Professor Irene Groot collaborates intensively with the Fine Mechanical Department (FMD), where technicians work who were trained at the LiS. For her research into more sustainable chemical processes, she uses specially developed microscopes.
‘Without the people from the FMD, my research could not exist,’ says Groot, who is also a member of the LiS Supervisory Board. ‘We design and build our unique research set‑ups together. They bring craftsmanship that we as scientists simply don’t have.’
The collaboration goes beyond building equipment alone. Scientists, PhD candidates and technicians work together every day, solve problems and improve set‑ups step by step. According to Groot, that close contact is essential for good research.
‘We need graduates from vocational, professional and academic education alike. Innovation only truly happens when theory and practice come together.’
Building the future together: Beethoven and a new master’s programme
The partnership has gained new urgency because of a major societal challenge. The Netherlands will need around 40,000 additional people in the high‑tech industry by 2030. Worldwide, demand is even higher. To help meet this need, the national Beethoven programme was launched, bringing together educational institutions and companies to train more technicians and researchers.
What do we mean by high tech?
High tech is often associated with computer chips, but the term covers much more than that. It refers to technology where new knowledge, precise equipment and practical craftsmanship come together. Think of medical devices in operating theatres, instruments for space exploration, or new materials and techniques such as 3D printing.
High tech always involves something physical that has to be made and tested. Software also plays an important role, but mainly in support of physical devices, for example to design or operate them more effectively. This is why close collaboration between researchers and technicians is essential.
Leiden University and the LiS are both active within Beethoven South Holland. Programme manager Victor van der Horst sees a clear task ahead. ‘We need graduates from vocational, professional and academic education alike. Innovation only truly happens when theory and practice come together.’
One concrete outcome of Beethoven is the new university master’s specialisation High Tech & Innovation (HTI), which will start in 2026. Students will learn not only the science behind high tech, but also how innovations actually come about in practice. ‘We are also exploring collaborations between vocational and academic education here,’ Van der Horst explains.
Learning together across boundaries
Looking ahead, Stef Vink sees major opportunities in a strong triangle between the LiS, the university and industry. ‘By bringing education, research and real‑world challenges together, we can develop high technology faster and more effectively.’
Students also gain from each other’s perspectives, Vink believes. ‘Our students show university students what is feasible in practice. An idea can look wonderful on paper, but sometimes it is impossible or extremely expensive to build. That insight is incredibly valuable.’