Henk Wösten works at the Joint Research Centre, Italy

Currently Henk Wösten works at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission at Ispra, Italy. Within JRC, he works at the Institute for Environment and Sustainability and within this Institute at the Land Management and Natural Hazards Unit. JRC aims to be a trusted provider of science-based policy options to EU policy makers to address key challenges facing our society, underpinned by internationally-recognised research.

For how long will you work there?

I will be working here for a period of three months: April, May and June 2011.

Why did you chose to work at this office?

In the past I coordinated an EU funded project on ‘Using existing soil data to derive hydraulic parameters for simulation models in environmental studies and in land use planning’. JRC was a partner in this project and through those contacts I got to know this Centre and this inspired me to spend my sabbatical leave in this science-policy environment. 

What are your current tasks and do they differ from what you normally do?

During the last ten years at Alterra I worked on the Wise Use of Tropical Peatlands which at first glance, may seem to be quite a different topic. However, in practice it also has to do with soil and water issues. Here at JRC I do return to my old profession as soil physicist working on the development and application of pedotransfer functions which relate soil texture and organic matter content to the soil physical characteristics: water retention and hydraulic conductivity.

How did you develop your idea of your exchange, where does it come from?

Over the last seven years I accumulated leave at Alterra and I am now spending this as a three month sabbatical leave here at JRC. I did look around for a stimulating, international, scientific research institute and this is why I contacted colleagues at the JRC who I still know from the previous joint EU funded project.

How has it been to arrange all the practical details (the contract, accommodation, moving) of your exchange?

The regulations for being allowed to work at JRC are quite strict and only when all the required documents are submitted you will obtain the essential access pass. JRC did send me a list of possible accommodations and from this I selected one and made my own arrangements with them. I rented a small apartment only 4 km from the Centre so that I can cycle to work which I enjoy in the same way as I do in Wageningen.

Do you have any tips to anyone else considering staff exchange?

My first and most important advice is: Do It! It is great to work in an environment with researchers coming from almost all the 27 EU member countries. It broadens your own horizon and allows you to make new contacts both professionally and personally. Secondly, start well in advance planning because your host institute will need a work contract, health certificate, policy report of good conduct etc.

What is the best part of living in Italy?

The springtime scenery in this part of Italy is beautiful. Every village has a nice square, church or other old building and the Lago is never far away. Food is superb and the coffees are delicious. Italians work hard and at the same time know how to enjoy live.

What do you do in your free time?

My favourite activity is cycling and I did bring my own bike from the Netherlands. Thus in the weekends I explore different areas by bike. Some areas are too steep for me and I always have to be careful as Italians are less used to cyclists on the road than the Dutch.