From bulletproof skin to clothing made from manure, Jalila Essaïdi transforms scientific breakthroughs into poetic statements about the future of humanity and nature. Her work is visionary, experimental, circular, and collaborative.

Essaïdi first gained worldwide attention with her project 2.6g 329m/s, also known as ‘Bulletproof skin’. Working with scientists at her own BioArt Laboratory in Eindhoven, she integrated spider silk, one of the strongest natural fibres on Earth, into human skin cells. The result: a hybrid material strong enough to stop a bullet fired at reduced speed. What began as an art experiment soon became a catalyst for global conversation about how which forms of safety would benefit society.
 

Essaïdi explores the social, political, ethical, and cultural questions that arise in a world shaped by new biotechnologies. Project 2.6g 329m/s received international attention and even drew interest from the U.S. military. Rather than selling her patent to the highest bidder, Essaïdi turned her invention toward healing. The same silk-based material is now being developed as a regenerative dressing for burn victims and chronic wounds, turning protection into restoration  - a natural, biodegradable skin that helps the body heal itself.

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A bullet wrapped in a piece of in vitro skin attached to a block ballistic gell. 
 

Her curiosity didn’t stop there. Through her biotech company Inspidere, Essaïdi created Mestic®, an innovation that transforms cow manure into textiles, paper, and bioplastics. The project challenges our instinctive aversion to waste. Because in nature, nothing is truly waste. By revealing the hidden value of what we discard, Mestic® shows that even the most unpleasant materials can hold beauty and potential. By turning waste into value, she redefines what circular design can look like.
 

Essaïdi is the CEO of Inspidere B.V., a biotech company based in the Brainport region of Eindhoven. She continues to mentor the next generation of bio-designers at her BioArt Laboratories, developing nature-based solutions for global challenges such as CO₂ capture and sustainable materials. It fosters collaboration between life sciences and the creative industries. Jalila Essaïdi embodies New Dutch, where innovation grows from curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that nature and technology belong on the same team.
 

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#newdutch is a mentality, a movement, and an international platform for Dutch innovation.

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In Maastricht, a unique research hub is reshaping how we understand the cosmos. ETpathfinder is the testing ground for the Einstein Telescope, Europe’s next-generation underground gravitational wave observatory.

Here, researchers are developing the ultra-precise instruments and sensors that will allow humanity to ‘listen’ to the universe itself. And that isn’t science fiction. Every mirror, every laser, every sensor at ETpathfinder must operate at unimaginable precision; some so sensitive they measure distortions smaller than the diameter of a proton. To achieve this, ETpathfinder pioneers cryogenic technology, cooling silicon mirrors to near absolute zero to silence even the tiniest vibrations. Only then can the faintest whispers of gravitational waves be detected.
 

Giving the universe a voice

ETpathfinder is a bridge between Earth and space. The expertise developed here is shaping next-generation space missions, including ESA and NASA’s LISA telescope, designed to detect ripples in spacetime across the galaxy. The cryogenic systems, ultra-stable optics, and quantum-enhanced measurements tested in Maastricht are setting the stage for instruments that will explore the universe in ways previously unimaginable. Dutch institutes like Nikhef, Maastricht University, SRON, and TNO bring decades of expertise in laser communication, precision optics, and quantum technology together under one roof.

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Render of the placement and workings of the Einstein Telescope. ©Marco Kraan/Nikhef
 

When quantum meets space

International partners join forces here to prototype and refine the innovations that will make the Einstein Telescope a reality. Quantum squeezing, low-noise sensors, and advanced cryogenic shields, every technology is tested in ETpathfinder’s ultra-quiet environment before being deployed on a global stage. ETpathfinder demonstrates how Dutch know-how is indispensable to high-tech science worldwide. From fundamental physics to space exploration, this living laboratory is pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible.

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The ETpathfinder in Maastricht. ©ETpathfinder
 

From Maastricht to the cosmos

In Maastricht, the test hub brings together fundamental physics, quantum technology, and space engineering, making it far more than ‘just’ a physics experiment. Over the past year, ETpathfinder has grown into the nerve centre of European gravitational-wave technology. This demonstrates how the Netherlands, far from the traditional centres of space exploration, has become indispensable to high-tech science on a global scale. From this place, researchers are shaping the next era of cosmic discovery, from black holes to the origins of the universe. That’s New Dutch!
 

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#newdutch is a mentality, a movement, and an international platform for Dutch innovation.

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Does #newdutch spark an interest or a golden idea with you? We love hearing from you! You can email us at newdutch@nlbranding.nl
 

The Netherlands and Hauts-de-France are natural partners for smarter, more sustainable urban mobility. In 2025, our countries have committed to deepening economic ties, and Northern France, is investing in transformation: Lille is scaling sustainable mobility with EU support, while rapid industrial growth around Dunkirk will generate tens of thousands of jobs, raising urgent questions about infrastructure capacity, accessibility, and liveability.

Given the surge in transport demand in coming decades, fast‑growing areas like Dunkirk and Lille believe that existing infrastructure will not be sufficient without systemic upgrades. The Netherlands, as one of the most densely populated and industrialised countries in Europe, has dealt with many of these challenges in one form or another.

The Dutch mobility system today integrates innovative multimodal transport networks, emphasizing sustainability through electrification and zero-emission vehicles, supported by public transport, cycling, and urban logistics solutions. Deepening our partnership will accelerate smart and sustainable mobility, standardise data and infrastructure, strengthen European value chains, and create high-quality jobs. All while delivering cleaner air, safer streets, and better access for citizens and businesses.

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Morocco and the Netherlands are working together to strengthen sustainable water management. Both countries have developed valuable experience in using water efficiently, reusing water, and implementing smart irrigation and treatment solutions. Bringing together practical know-how and creative approaches, both countries are shaping smarter and more sustainable ways to manage water.

This mission brings Dutch and Moroccan partners together to exchange knowledge and create new opportunities for collaboration. From efficient irrigation and water reuse to desalination and sustainable water management in agriculture, the mission opens new avenues for cooperation and long-term partnerships.

By combining strengths and ambition, both countries aim to drive forward a water sector that is innovative, resilient, and sustainable. United in purpose, Morocco and the Netherlands are building a future that supports water security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

Partnering for a water-secure future!

Life in cities depends on what happens underground. Health soil cools our streets, absorbs excess water, supports plants and trees, stores carbon, and filters pollution. But when soil is damaged, cities become hotter, wetter and less liveable. As urbanisation accelerates and soil sealing continues to spread, safeguarding urban soils is no longer optional,  it is essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, and public health. That message takes centre stage this year on World Soil Day, a global moment to reflect on the role soil plays not only in agriculture, but also in ecosystem health, food security, and the future of our cities.

Dutch soil solutions around the world

The Netherlands has long understood that the quality of its soil underpins everything from flood protection to food production. Today, that experience is being translated into international action, from farmlands and deltas to fast-growing urban regions around the world.

From climate adaptation and water management to urban resilience and food security, Dutch soil solutions are being applied worldwide. Drawing on centuries of experience in living with water and working with complex soils, the Dutch approach combines cutting-edge research with practical, scalable solutions.

Through international partnerships, field projects, and knowledge exchange, Dutch experts are helping regions restore soil health, strengthen ecosystems, and build long-term resilience. One key driver of this global cooperation is the Dutch Agricultural Network, which connects researchers, policymakers, farmers, and urban planners across borders. 

As the Dutch Agricultural Network, we work with partners, researchers, farmers and city planners to improve soil health through shared learning and practical solutions.

In Poland, a public-private soil improvement project shares Dutch expertise, runs field trials, and offers a Polish language e-learning module on soil structure, organic matter, pH and sustainable fertilization. Poland is now a leading example of applying regenerative principles that improve soil health and yields.

Thousands of kilometres east in Thailand, the Netherlands supports nature-based agriculture, together with Dutch agribusinesses and experts from Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Through hands-on work with farmers, we promote regenerative practices, crop improvement, and soil care training that support long-term food security.

Meanwhile across Nordic countries, WUR and Aarhus University organised an event that used footage from Planet Soil to show citizens what happens beneath their feet and why soil matters. This helped spark public understanding and engagement with soil health.

In Serbia, we contributed to the Greening the City project in Belgrade, offering expertise to integrate green spaces into major development plans. The WUR Lighthouse farm LoginEKO shows how regenerative and organic agriculture can restore soil and biodiversity at scale. 

Across West Africa, we support programmes that restore soil fertility, such as Soil Values, and promote partnerships with organisations like Safisana. We also raise awareness among policymakers and the public through activities including screenings of Planet Soil.

From innovation to everyday impact 

High above the streets of Bangkok, rooftop farms are transforming food waste into rich compost that restores depleted soils and feeds fresh produce back into the city. What began as a small-scale solution has become a powerful circular model for urban areas around the world, showing how waste can become the foundation for renewal. 

Closer to home, the Green Denmark agreement brings together farmers, nature organisations, government, and citizens to improve water quality, biodiversity, and soil health. The collaborative approach shows how shared responsibility can tackle complex food system challenges.

In Ghana, farmers rely on simple, locally applied methods, proving that improving soil health does not always require expensive technology. In North America, Dutch partners support collaborative research, advanced soil measurement technologies, regenerative farming, and climate-smart grazing demonstrate, straightforward practices that rebuild soil quickly while strengthening farm resilience. 

Healthy soils for healthy cities

Healthy cities begin with healthy soil. It cools our streets, supports green spaces, absorbs rainfall, filters pollution, and enables food production in and around urban areas. As climate risks intensify and cities continue to grow, soil is emerging as one of the most powerful, and yet overlooked, tools for urban resilience. 

From rooftop gardens to regenerative farms and green infrastructure projects, Dutch expertise shows that living soils are not just an environmental asset, they are the foundation of resilient, liveable cities worldwide.

On this World Soil Day, and beyond, the message is clear: protecting soil is not only about what we grow, it’s about how we live.