Stage 2: From WUR and Marin to Wageningen Marina
Maria Siopi | 5. September 2025
On day 2 we are visiting two customers: the forward-looking laboratories of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), and the Grebbedijk in Rhenen.
Wageningen – City of knowledge and innovation
The starting point of this stage is Wageningen, a vibrant student city often referred to as the “City of Life Sciences.” At its heart lies Wageningen University & Research (WUR), one of the world’s leading institutions in agricultural, environmental, and life sciences. Scientists and students here are working on pressing global challenges, from food security to climate change, earning WUR a top spot in international rankings.
At our first customer visit we spoke to Johan Bucher, Engineering Doctorate & Founder and CEO BABETTE and Matthijs Brouwer Researcher at Wageningen University. One of the application we have visited is BABETTE (which is full of igus products!). Together with our Project Manager René van Dijk, who is greatly impressed by the machine Johan is showing us.
Not far from the university is our second customer visit: MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), a world-renowned center for hydrodynamic research. With massive testing basins and cutting-edge simulation technology, MARIN helps design safer, cleaner, and smarter ships and offshore structures. Getting this tour from Jan de Boer really shows how Marin has centers of innovation, Mark and Justine couldn’t help but reflect on how Dutch science and engineering continue to shape the future.
We had a wonderful conversation with Jan de Boer, Senior Adviser Hydrodynamic Model Tests. Jan continued to explain that he started his career at Marin as a Data Analist. Jan is telling us about the multiple projects he has done in Wageningen. Marin has had customers from USA, Korea and China. The average amount of time customers spend at Marin during a project like this is around 4 to 8 weeks. Some projects even take 3 months. Jan tells us that Marin makes 3 scale models for testing purposes in Ede per week.
Riding the Grebbedijk – Between River and History
From Wageningen, the group made their way onto the Grebbedijk, a long dike that protects the city and surrounding lands from the River Rhine. Cycling here offers wide, open views over the floodplains, where grazing cows, winding waterways, and countless bird species create a living Dutch postcard.
For Justine, the highlight was the calm scenery and the feeling of being surrounded by both water and sky. Mark, meanwhile, explains where we are and the location that we are biking at. At the end of the dike we enter an area with lots of boats and beautiful scenery. Which aligns perfect with the story Jan de Boer has told earlier in the day.
The Grebbedijk is not only vital for water management, but also stepped in history. It was the site of heavy fighting during World War II. Pedaling along this peaceful stretch today, it is hard to imagine the noise and chaos of battle that once echoed across these fields.
A Stage of contrasts
From Wageningen’s research centers WUR and Marin (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), to Grebbedijk. It reminds us how the Netherlands balances a forward-looking mindset with a deep respect for tradition. Tomorrow we will bike through the capital of our country: Amsterdam! Stay tuned for more.
Our riders:
Justine Burcham
In my role as a Marketing Assistant, I work on a variety of projects. The opportunity to contribute new ideas and apply creativity makes this position even more exciting. One of the highlights is supporting the igus:bike tour – a unique initiative that showcases our commitment to sustainability and innovation. This experience, among others, allows me to contribute to the growth of igus.
Mark van de Waal
I joined igus on November 1, 2010, and have now been working at this innovative company for almost 15 years with great pleasure. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of positions – from inside sales and product management to online marketing, and now as marketing manager.
What makes working at igus so special? Every day is different! Thanks to the enormous drive for innovation, the work always remains challenging and inspiring. A good example of this is the igus:bike tour, where innovation and sustainability literally come together.
René van Dijk
Since March 1st, 2024, I have been part of igus bv. I started out in Outside Sales, but quickly transitioned into the role of Shore Power Manager & Project Sales. In this position, I am responsible not only for shore power solutions within the Netherlands, but also for a wide range of projects that involve complex engineering challenges.
What excites me most about this role? Without a doubt, it’s the people I get to work with every day. That includes my 5,000+ colleagues across the globe, but just as much the customers I meet. One day I might be collaborating with an independent contractor, the next I could be discussing solutions with the CEO of a multinational, and the day after that with representatives from the Ministry.
The diversity of people and projects keeps things dynamic and inspiring.
Maps of the stage:
