Pepijn van Rutten and Edcel Salumbides (VU): Respira: a laughing gas breath sensor to reduce accidents on the road
Traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of laughing gas have increased more than ten-fold in the past few years. This leads to more than 100 severe injuries and sadly, more than 20 deaths in the Netherlands every year. Respira is being developed as the world’s first breath sensor for laughing gas detection. The sensor is based on extremely sensitive and specific spectroscopic techniques developed at VU Laser Lab, Amsterdam. From discussions with the police, a strong preventative effect is expected when drivers know they can get caught on laughing gas abuse. The objective is to prevent many accidents and to create safer roads for everyone.
Sara Geven (UvA): On track: a scientifically-informed ability tracking procedure to enhance equal learning opportunities Students in the Netherlands are allocated to different educational tracks at the age of twelve based on their teacher’s recommendation. Studies show students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive less ambitious track recommendations. Even within the same school, teachers use different tracking […]
Lavinia Bodale (VU): SightShare Imagine you’re missing out on the friendship and on the life experiences that make game nights unforgettable. SightShare is a game changing device that breaks barriers, enabling visually impaired and blind individuals to participate fully in card and board games. Thanks to the help of machine learning, the device recognizes different […]
Hanneke Velthuijsen (HvA): Happy Minds – A high impact stress reduction method for mental & emotional well-being in urban education In today’s society, children are increasingly experiencing stress. They face social-emotional problems more often than ever before. A promising solution to this issue appears to be mindfulness and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning). These practices teach children from an […]