In this report we present a method to incorporate applied catalysis research into the multiyear educational undergraduate program of Chemical Engineering at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (UAS). In this way the total student population is introduced to research and thereby contributes to the scientific output of the department, and more students can potentially be encouraged to follow a research career. We discuss the challenges of performing high-level research at a UAS in comparison to dedicated research universities and possible opportunities to make high-level applied research work. The time available to conduct research is a challenge. However, by introducing the research into educational programs the issue of time can be relieved. From our experience, the key factor to gain high-level scientific research output is to let well trained research-lecturers work closely with students in scaffolded projects as has been shown by the publication of several papers in peer reviewed scientific international journals. We also highlight two research projects on carbohydrate catalysis for the production of high-value chemicals and improving the efficiency of selective catalytic reduction systems.