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Become a trend curator for SURF Tech Trends 2028

Do you have an eye for the latest developments in technology within education and research? Do you spot trends before they become mainstream, or do you simply find it interesting to contribute your ideas on the subject? Put your curiosity to good use and join us as a trend curator.

13 May 2026

For SURF Tech Trends 2028, we are looking for curious professionals to explore together which technological developments will have an impact on education and research in the coming years.

Identifying and interpreting

As a trend curator, you will help identify and interpret technological developments relevant to education and research. Under the guidance of the SURF futuring team, you will share insights and discuss with others what these mean for the sector. You will do this alongside 14 other participants from various organisations.

It is precisely this exchange of perspectives that makes it valuable: you learn from one another and thus gain a better understanding of what lies ahead and what that might mean in practice. In concrete terms, this means preparing and sharing your insights, and taking part in (online) sessions and discussions.

Learning by doing

As you collaborate with professionals from across the sector, you develop your own perspective on trends. You do this as follows:

You delve into technological developments that matter.
You learn from and with people outside your own organisation.
You build your network within the sector.
You are keen to contribute to a leading publication with significant impact: SURF’s Tech Trends report is SURF’s most downloaded report, with approximately 8,000 downloads.
You will be credited in the Tech Trends report and we will explore how we can highlight your contribution, for example via a (digital) badge or LinkedIn.

By and for the cooperative

We are looking for participants from the cooperative with diverse backgrounds, roles and perspectives. Curiosity and motivation are more important than experience; you don’t need to be a seasoned trend curator to take part.

This is what matters to us:

You enjoy working together and sharing insights.
You are curious, open-minded and interested in technological developments.
You are able to attend 6 in-person sessions at SURF in Utrecht (kick-off on 6 October 2026); the dates of these meetings will be agreed upon collectively during the kick-off.
You can commit approximately 8 to 12 hours per month (between October 2026 and July 2027).

Does this sound like something for you?

Then sign up here

Please note: signing up does not automatically guarantee participation in the project. We will select a maximum of 15 participants and aim for a diverse group from different organisations.

This registration link also applies to the kick-off on 6 October.

What is the Tech Trends report?

The Tech Trends report is a biennial publication, based on international trend studies and market reports, enriched with insights from experts within the SURF cooperative and beyond. Institutions look ahead together to identify opportunities and challenges that have a direct impact on learning, discovery and collaboration. We look not only at the maturity and potential of new technologies, but also at the public values associated with them. From privacy and autonomy to inclusivity and sustainability.

Visit the 2026 Tech Trends report here.

Questions about this project, your registration or the report?

Please get in touch by sending an email to futuring@surf.nl.