Close-up #3
Inspiring columns, background stories and experiences of researchers and support staff: this magazine shows the connection between public and research at Utrecht University. Let the stories in this magazine inspire you, develop your own ideas and look for the right partners to put them into practice.
In other words, you need to ask questions and listen first. You can respond to their questions and share your views as a researcher afterwards. That is how you build real dialogue.
Behind the scenes: Visitors get to become researchers at the new University Museum
University Museum Utrecht (UMU) is currently being remodelled and renovated. The Netherlands’ very first research museum will open its doors in September 2023. Five new galleries offer families the opportunity to actively experience scientific research at Utrecht University and explore the work of its current and former researchers.
Close-up: Summer Science
The Botanic Gardens organised the Summer Science festival in partnership with the Centre for Science and Culture and the Faculty of Science on a rainy summer evening in June 2022. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the inspiring evening programme included live music and talks by researchers on topics such as ocean currents, immunotherapy and the impact of job loss.
Interview: The university as an anchor institution: a long-term partner of the city
Sharing knowledge with local communities and tackling societal challenges together. That is key to Anders Utrecht. Anders Utrecht maps and connects Utrecht initiatives that deal with social and environmental issues, develops podcasts to give initiatives a voice, and stimulates collaboration through workshops and research.
We really want them to get their hands dirty.
Column Nieske Vergunst: Offcuts
"But I miss another word, because there is also an upside to those offcuts. It is not just hard work: the combination also makes me happy. I am constantly making connections, between different disciplines and people. I gain new insights, I am helping my colleagues, the process makes me more creative and I get to go to twice as many Christmas drinks."
A look at: Arts and science
Studium Generale produces “The Futurists” in collaboration with Het Nieuw Utrechts Toneel. This unique combination of interviews and theatre sees musicians and writers translate a high-profile researcher’s vision into a theatrical performance within the space of a single day.
Behind the scenes: A governmental perspective on science communication
The Netherlands will have its own national science communication centre. These words from Minister Dijkgraaf in May 2022 sparked a momentum that has not stalled ever since. Erik van Zwol, who has been closely involved in the process since the beginning, shares his story.
First and foremost, the centre should play a connecting role.
Close-up: UMU takes to the water
On the evening of Saturday 15 October 2022, two canal boats brimming with science cruised through Utrecht’s canals. On these boats, University Museum Utrecht (UMU) contributed to the Utrecht KIDS Museum Night event.
A look at: ‘Bending over backwards to achieve something can lead to great things’
An experiential festival inspired by our ability or inability to hear sound, that is Sencity in a nutshell. A titillating experiment in which philosopher of science, historian and composer Susanna Bloem discusses our experience of music and time with the audience.
In practice: Collaborating for a more inclusive audience
The Centre for Science and Culture teamed up with societal partners as part of the Betweter Festival and Science Weekend to attract Utrecht residents that would not normally take part in scientific activities.
Column Prof.dr. James Kennedy: Crafting knowledge together
''Public engagement still tends to be about 'broadcasting', science for citizens and making them aware of what we do. But public engagement should be mainly something we engage in with citizens. That involves devoting time and attention to societal partners and making room for their insights.''
Close-up: Following up on A word about tomorrow
Some 300 visitors at local libraries in Utrecht struck up spontaneous conversations with Utrecht University researchers during the ‘A word about tomorrow’ programme in November 2022. The conversations took place in follow-up to the 2021 edition, when library visitors formulated 500 questions for science with the participating researchers. Four of those questions formed the starting point for this year’s discussions.
I really felt I was being heard. The conversation really made me reflect on my own ideas.
Interview: Saint Martin in the city
The city of Utrecht celebrated its 900th anniversary on 3 and 4 July 2022, with events including a festival in honour of city patron Saint Martin the Merciful. The festival, initiated by Els Rose, was themed “The miracle of Saint Martin, the happy city”.
A look at: Know Yourself Challenge
Every autumn, Studium Generale organises a challenge: a citizen science project in which participants team up with researchers to explore a topical issue. In 2022, the theme was “mental health”.
Behind the scenes: Geology of the Tour de France
Endless Tour de France stages in which cyclists struggle to climb a mountain ridge suddenly become a fascinating geology excursion in Geology of the Tour de France. For example, did you know that those weird cones dotting the landscape – many of which are topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary like the one in Le-Puy-en-Velay – are called volcanic necks? Time to chat with geoscientist Douwe van Hinsbergen about his initiative.
I want to share knowledge about the terrestrial system.
In practice: Exploring the world of research at Summer School Junior
Together with some 100 students acting as group mentors and programme supervisors, inquisitive children got to explore some of the research being conducted at Utrecht University: from robots to song lyrics and from DNA to the city of the future. Project manager Maartje Kouwen of the Centre for Science and Culture gives an insight into the program.
Column Prof.dr. Mara Yerkes: Public engagement can take on any form
''I find public engagement energizing but also educational; engaging with multiple publics has strengthened my research and teaching. How? Because doing public engagement makes us look at what we do through the eyes of others, giving new insights.''
In practice: Academics in the Public Arena
Engaging in public debate is important and offers opportunities for researchers, but there are also inherent risks. For example, you need to be prepared for angry reactions – sometimes from unexpected quarters – when you are dealing with difficult issues. This prompted Utrecht University to organise the “Academics in the Public Arena” programme. This interactive series features researchers and support staff discussing their role in the public debate and explaining what it takes to do so effectively and safely.
You never really know what kind of responses you’re going to get when you discuss your research in the media.
Close up: Students from the teacher-training programme for primary education visit Utrecht University
The Utrecht University Science Hub offers students, who are training to become primary school teachers, practical science education for the classroom in partnership with HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Marnix College and the Academic Teacher- Training Programme for primary education.
A look at: Time to take the next step
"Meaningful public engagement in the context of open science”, a paper by a group of researchers from Utrecht University, describes the role of public engagement in promoting open science and outlines the steps involved.
In practice: Wetenschnapps XL The leading networking event on public engagement
Wetenschnapps XL, the extra-large edition of the series of inspiration and development sessions organised by the Centre for Science and Culture, took place on Tuesday, 4 October 2022. Over 100 researchers and support staff involved in
public engagement exchanged knowledge and experience.
Close up: Is there such a thing as a right to sweaty feet?
Tony Barshini was one of 93 researchers and students to take part in Science Weekend, an annual event for young and old organised by Utrecht University.