Successful edition of the Netspar Matchmaking Event

Yesterday saw another successful edition of the Netspar Matchmaking Event. Dozens of researchers and participants from the pension sector were in attendance. The meeting is an example of how Netspar brings together expertise from many disciplines, including both academics and experts from the pension sector.

“The Matchmaking Event is quintessential Netspar,” says scientific director Mathijs van Dijk. “Scientists from various disciplines present their ideas for scientifically innovative and socially relevant research. Professionals from the pension sector provide feedback, and together they explore opportunities for co-creation through science and practice. This crossover is surprising and inspiring every year.”

Wide range of topics

The meeting consisted of three rounds. These rounds covered topics such as the labor market, (responsible) investment, and pension gaps and vulnerable groups. The research proposals presented within these themes addressed a wide range of topics.

Pensions and poverty among the elderly, for example, were the focus of the presentation by Ruth Mark from Tilburg University. Sanne Schulte-Koops and Franciska de Beer from the University Medical Center Groningen presented their proposal for research into the role of menopause in the gender pension gap between men and women. Another example is the presentation by Bas Donkers. He discussed the role that generative AI can play in improving communication and decision support.

The ideal venue for presenting research

Participants from the pension sector can indicate which topics they consider important for research. Researchers can then take this into account and conduct their research in the pension sector as well. “Matchmaking is the perfect place for us to present our research and get in touch with sector partners,” says researcher Jelle Lössbroek of NIDI.

Wouter Klootwijk attended on behalf of Netspar partner MN. “Interesting presentations, great to be able to contribute to the researchers’ ideas by sharing recent developments in the pension sector, which may make them even more relevant,” he says about the Matchmaking Event.

Better alignment with practice

Saskia ter Ellen, Director of Knowledge Dissemination at Netspar: “The Matchmaking Event brings scientists and practitioners into contact with each other at an early stage. This ensures that the final research is better aligned with practice and thus has even more impact. Personally, I also find it very inspiring to hear about all these interesting topics.”