Erik van Sebille on Science Shops

Each day in the Open Education Week (2 - 6 March, 2026), the University Library showcases an Open Education initiative. Today: Erik van Sebille, professor of Oceanography and Public Engagement, on science shops.

Open Education is one of the key principles of the updated educational model, of which Community & Society is a sub principle. As the educational model states:

“Education takes place within a community (..). From an open attitude, meetings between students, lecturers and social partners on campus, in the city, the region and on exchanges at international universities contribute to impactful education. In the interaction with others, entering into dialogue, reflecting on the perspective of the other, learning takes place.”

Erik van Sebille recognizes this vision. In a recent opinion piece in DUB, he reflects on his own time in college and emphasizes the role of ‘science shops’ to find engagement with society. Science shops used to serve as a point of contact for societal organisations and individual civilians to get in touch with scientists and faculties, so they could generate research questions and conduct research collaboratively. Erik van Sebille: “Science shops as places where the university and society meet. As drivers of Community Engaged Learning.” His opinion peace can be read in its entirety on DUB, and serves as a call for further development of Open Education within UU.