When Thijs van Beers (30) joined us as an Agrotechnology student, he had no idea that he would go on to become Climate researcher. Let alone that he would be put in charge of research that takes our climate systems to the next level. Yet that is exactly what happened. His story clearly illustrates what makes this role so special: working on innovative solutions, closely linked to real-world practice, with a direct impact on animal welfare and sustainability.
The work of a climate researcher
According to Thijs, his work is primarily “very diverse”. At its heart lies research: designing, conducting and analysing tests relating to climate solutions for poultry houses. This includes evaluating heat exchangers in real-world situations, on-site at the customer’s premises. The insights gained from this form the basis for optimising our climate units. Because, ultimately, that is always the mission: ensure a stable and optimal barn climate. And every customer, every stable and every system presents a different challenge.
Many research projects start with a practical question, a challenge that the researcher delves into; researching, developing, testing and fine-tuning. Often, this involves devising completely new concepts. Thijs explains: “I regularly draw up plans for a new prototype, which we then test to identify areas for improvement. But also to confirm that the system does what we promise. That means working with a variety of technical components that need to work together seamlessly, such as fans, filters, sensors and software”.
Together, we can achieve more
As a Climate Researcher, you don’t work alone, but rather as part of a team. “I work closely with Portfolio Managers, Mechanical Designers, Software Engineers and, of course, the client themselves. Thanks to that combination of technical depth, multidisciplinary collaboration and direct practical experience, you constantly feel that your work matters,” explains Thijs. Many projects fall under what are known as Limited Production Runs: products that are still in the testing phase and are being trialled in the field. That means Thijs is regularly on the road, sometimes in the Netherlands, occasionally abroad, to measure, analyse and improve.
Proud of great projects
Thijs is enthusiastic when he talks about the projects he’s proud of. One of them is the ECO Air Care. “A low-emission housing system that can capture up to 90% of the ammonia from the barn air. That 90% is, of course, not just a claim – it is a result that is firmly substantiated by extensive research.” He also recalls the time he and a colleague created a veritable ‘sand avalanche’ to determine the performance of a sand filter for the heat exchangers. That is the reality; not just researching in theory, but above all in practice.
Vacancy: Climate Engineering Researcher
Now a unique opportunity has arisen: you can be the next Climate researcher If you enjoy researching, getting to grips with technology, and building solutions that really work, and if you value a collaborative organisational culture, then this is the sort of role you don’t come across very often. This is about building the stables of tomorrow, with a team that wants to move forward and does so together.
