Renate Wesselink appointed Personal Professor

Wesselink studied Educational Science at the University of Twente. After completing her Master’s degree, she joined Wageningen University & Research over 25 years ago. There, her long-standing interest in learning was complemented by a strong focus on sustainability. This combination lies at the heart of her current research.

In her work, Wesselink focuses on learning as it occurs in the everyday functioning of organisations. She deliberately looks beyond formal training programmes and courses. “A great deal of learning takes place simply through working on projects, collaborating in teams, or taking on new tasks or challenges,” Wesselink explains. “This so-called informal learning cannot easily be structured or managed. It is strongly shaped by the work environment. Organisations can support it by creating space for knowledge sharing, reflection and open discussion.” According to Wesselink, such flexible and proactive organisations are essential in a time of rapid social and technological change.

Social responsibility is a central theme in her research. Wesselink studies how employee learning can contribute to sustainable development, for example by reducing CO₂ emissions or cutting waste in production processes. Research shows that professionals, and younger generations in particular, consider sustainability important and want to actively contribute ideas. “Organisations can benefit from this potential, which includes both creativity and critical perspectives. Sustainability then truly emerges from within the organisation.”

Wesselink also explores how learning environments at individual, team and organisational levels can support this process. The insights from her research contribute to Wageningen University & Research’s ambition to educate students as responsible change agents.