"Engaging in conversation with library visitors taught me how to look at our field differently again."

Does this feel familiar, working a lot behind your laptop or in the lab and sometimes losing sight of the outside world for a while? Several times in November, researchers from Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht exchanged their workplace for a discussion table in various public libraries in Utrecht. Here, they talked to library visitors, from young to old, during the Even Over Morgen event. "By talking to library visitors, I learned to look at our field differently again. It was incredibly valuable to hear what kind of questions are going on in society," researcher Florence Lucas revealed.

There was one woman who said she found it inspiring to see me working in this field as a woman, which I found very special. She additionally mentioned that she often finds scientists very aloof, but actually found this talk very accessible.

I learnt that sea levels are rising because of ocean warming.

Even over morgen was organised for the third time this year. This time, the researchers were seated with a picture frame, containing a self-selected image that matched their research topic. The images were the starting point for the conversation between researchers and library visitors. The idea of using an image as a conversation starter came from UU researchers Tessa van Charldorp and Lisanne van Weelden. It is part of the Visual Dialogue Method. Beforehand, therefore, participants received a training from Van Charldorp and Van Weelden to let them practice with it and understand the underlying theory. A picture is something visible and tangible to talk about; it easily triggers a conversation. It also provides a neutral attitude and language. All this to ensure that both interactors feel safe.

If you take the time for each other and ask open questions, being genuinely curious, you always understand each other, even if Dutch is not your interlocutor's mother tongue. (...) In addition, almost everyone saw a turd on my image, it was the liver. That made it clear to me that I wrongly thought everyone would recognise organs.

Nice conversation, you get an idea of what the researcher is working on.

Also nice to mention: from time to time, artist Jasmijn van der Weide joined the conversations. She is currently creating a work of art from everything she heard passing by at the talk tables. Keep an eye on the libraries, as a touring exhibition is coming up!

I learned that abstract mathematics can help solve societal problems.