H.D.M. Sombekke MSc (Heleen)

I work as business developer and project manager for EMI Twente. EMI Twente is part of the Membrane Science & Technology Cluster and performs contract research directly with industry in the field of membrane science and technology. I’m responsible for acquiring and setting up new research projects in the water & energy field (drinking water production, waste water treatment, food & beverage, energy supply and storage). I also perform several activities for the MST cluster like creating a better visibility (cluster website, LinkedIn) and I am involved in the realization of a Waterlab at the Hogekampplein.

Water (technology) is my passion. I enjoy operating at the interface of academic research and industry. I like to be involved in valorisation activities of scientific research, such as the realization of pilots and field labs/demonstration projects. I am experienced in setting up and running interdisciplinary projects (European, EFRO, Interreg).

I obtained my master in Civil Engineering in 1990 at Delft University of Technology (direction Water Management). Since then I have been working in the water sector. First at KWR (1990-1999) as project manager in the field of environment, residues and technology. In 1999 I joined Waterboard Vechtstromen as project manager “water cycle”. From 2004 to mid-2019 I worked in several positions at Wetsus, European centre of excellence for sustainable water technology