Researchers from Utrecht University visit Utrecht primary school classrooms each spring. With the help of teaching material, students in grades 6, 7, and 8 prepare for the arrival of a research team. They eventually have the opportunity to meet the research team and ask them any questions they may have during Meet the Professor. In this way, Utrecht University bridges the gap between academia and society by introducing students to science and research.
Research is not something you do alone!
Because we believe it is important to give children realistic picture of science and who can be a researcher, we work with research duos. After all, research is not something you do alone! That is why a professor can bring along a PhD student or a colleague who contributes directly or indirectly to the research in another way. But two researchers who are not professors can also join.
Preparatory teaching materials
Participating classes will receive teaching materials in advance so that they can prepare for the school visit. A “Who am I?” poster helps children find out which duo will be visiting them in a playful way and gives them a diverse picture of researchers.
What if children meet a real professor?Schools and researchers have been raving about Meet the Professor for years. But does it also work? Researcher Madelijn Strick and program maker Lieke Dekker investigated.
- Next edition: 1 April 2026
How does a professor experience Meet the Professor?A dream came true for Erik van Sebille when he became professor of Oceanography and Public Engagement in late 2021: not only can he now research how science communication works, he finally got to participate in Meet the Professor.
It’s great to see the children's enthusiasm and how much attention the professor pays them. It’s two different worlds coming together.
