Meet the Gluon Researchers
In her role as a Gluon for Red&Blue, Anne Bruggen’s main focus is to unite key players and work together to create a comprehensive strategy for managing climate-related risks in real estate, not just in the Dutch delta but also in other areas.
Why did you apply for the gluon position?
I graduated from the AMS institute, where the focus lied on cooperation and solving complex problems through collaboration between disciplines. During my studies, it had been pointed out that the jobs we were being trained for did not actually exist yet, so after I finished my master’s, I crawled back into my own discipline. While working in landscape architecture, I came across the position as a Gluon Researcher. It was a big surprise; this job does exist after all! I am driven to get to the heart of a complex problem and really contribute to it in a sustainable way. The transition to a more sustainable future requires a different approach. The current way is not working, but what way will? That is the quest I am on as Gluon.
Imagine a carpet made up of all different kinds of threads. Some threads are thick, have different colors or are even made from different fabrics. Different kinds of knowledge and disciplines are all different kinds of threads; as a Gluon, you try to weave it all together to create a clear pattern: a "tapestry of knowledge".
Could you explain your work as a Gluon Researcher?
My role is to fight knowledge fragmentation because this fragmentation of knowledge hinders decisions. This is especially true for complex problems like sustainability. Imagine a carpet made up of all different kinds of threads. Some threads are thick, have different colors or are even made from different fabrics. Different kinds of knowledge and disciplines are all different kinds of threads; as a Gluon, you try to weave it all together to create a clear pattern: a “tapestry of knowledge”.
I work for the Red&Blue project which deals with how the Netherlands is going to live with rising sea water levels in the future. It is a complex issue involving many different disciplines. It is actually a very practical question, what should we do? My role is to ensure that a process is in place that allows those different disciplines to answer that big question together.
As a trailblazer, how would you say the Gluon role differs from more traditional academic research roles?
I think the uncertainty about the novelty of the role. It’s like when you order insulation material for a house. You need a certain quantity for which you have set aside a budget. You want assurance that you are getting the best product. Would you choose insulation material that is only just on the market? A traditional academic role is familiar, people know what to expect and where they stand. But I am convinced that this new approach can make a difference. I’d say “choose something new”!
