As a specialist in façade design and the execution of special constructions, Prof. Dr. ir. Mick Eekhout took on the role of head of research of the department Building Technology within the Faculty of Architecture / TU Delft. Research as one of the driving forces in façade innovation is placed in an overall larger picture. He describes his efforts to combine forces within and between the department, faculty, university and national institutions: a necessity when trying to establish a strong and fruitful research environment.