Last week, Lani Vints and Lara Huys, two students from the Environmental and Sustainability Management programme, won first prize in the professional bachelor's category at the Future Proef Awards. Fien Meizler, a student in interior design, took third place in the same category.
The Future Proef Awards recognise graduation projects that contribute to a sustainable future. Students from associate degree, bachelor and master programmes are eligible to participate. Nearly 200 students from across Flanders took part in this edition, and six finalists were selected in each category. At the award ceremony, held on 24 April at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen, both HOGENT bachelor’s theses that made it to the final were awarded a prize.
Lani Vints and Lara Huys won first place with their thesis on breeding black soldier flies as a sustainable protein source for animal feed in Rwanda. The award also comes with a €3,000 cash prize.
Fien Meizler, student at KASK & Conservatorium, was also recognised as a finalist. She won third place with her project Terramo, a collection of balancing furniture pieces made from bioplastics, ceramics and found materials. Her design combines functionality, aesthetics and storytelling, and invites people to reflect on consumer behaviour. She received a €500 prize.
Other categories
In the master thesis category, the first prize went to Alexia Chalouli from KU Leuven. Her research focuses on how forest landscapes can contribute to sustainable spatial development after wildfires. Mina Goumanouz (AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp) won in the associate degree category with a practical roadmap to support care professionals working with young people from a migration background.
The Future Proef Awards are an initiative of the Flemish Department of Environment, in collaboration with higher education institutions across Flanders and the Foundation for Future Generations. More information can be found at futureproefaward.be.