HAN-University of Applied Sciences
About HAN
The HAN University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with campuses in Arnhem and Nijmegen. Every year, thousands of students pursue their education there, while researchers, lecturers, and professionals work together on solutions to societal challenges in the fields of sustainability, health, technology, economics, and education.
HAN not only prepares students for the labour market of tomorrow but also aims to contribute to a sustainable and future-proof society. Sustainability is therefore a key focus in its education, research, and operations. Guided by its ambition to help create a smart, clean, and socially inclusive world, HAN works on themes such as the energy transition, the circular economy, climate adaptation, and biodiversity.
A Shared Ambition
To make its sustainability ambitions visible and tangible, HAN is partnering with Life Terra on the HAN Forest (HAN-Bos): an initiative that brings together nature restoration, biodiversity, and community engagement.
Life Terra supports organisations, governments, educational institutions, and citizens across Europe in restoring nature and increasing climate awareness. By planting trees and actively involving people in nature restoration projects, Life Terra contributes to a greener and more resilient environment.
The collaboration between HAN and Life Terra demonstrates how education and nature restoration can reinforce one another. Students learn about building a sustainable future, while the HAN Forest makes that future visible and tangible beyond the classroom.
The HAN Forest
In 2026, HAN launches the HAN Forest: a long-term initiative that brings together nature, education, and connection. For every graduating student, a tree will be planted, creating a forest that symbolises the bond between HAN, its alumni, and the region.
What makes the HAN Forest unique is that each tree represents a student taking the next step in their life and career. The forest will grow alongside the thousands of graduates who leave HAN each year, creating a lasting connection between the university, its alumni, and the wider community.
The project will officially kick off during a joint planting event on the morning of Wednesday, 25 November 2026, at Sportlaan in Arnhem. Alumni, staff members, and other members of the HAN community will come together to plant the first trees of the HAN Forest and make a direct contribution to a greener future.
The planting will help increase biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and create a healthier environment for both people and nature. In doing so, the HAN Forest contributes not only to nature restoration but also to the quality of life in the Arnhem–Nijmegen region.
Creating Impact Together
With the HAN Forest, HAN is investing not only in trees but also in connection. The project brings together students, alumni, employees, partners, and the wider region around a shared ambition: creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
The HAN Forest demonstrates how educational institutions can play an active role in nature restoration and climate adaptation. By linking sustainability to a growing community of students and alumni, HAN is creating an initiative that is locally rooted while contributing to broader societal goals.
Together, HAN and Life Terra are working towards a region where nature, biodiversity, and people can continue to thrive and grow.
Website: https://www.hanuniversity.com/en/