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. Over a cup of tea and a biscuit, they discussed and exchanged views on issues including growing up, sustainability, health and freedom.

Text: Lieke Dekker

As a researcher, I think it's really important to contribute to society with my research. This was a great opportunity for me to find out what sort of issues people really care about.

I mainly talked about my own experiences, and the researcher discussed the scientific aspects. We managed to tie those in really well.

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. Participating researchers received dialogue training beforehand from the Centre for Science and Culture in collaboration with PhD student Cathelijne Reincke. Both researchers and library visitors felt the conversations were very worthwhile.

Thanks to the training, I could keep the conversation on track, and we developed a real interest in each other's situations.

I really felt I was being heard. The conversation really made me reflect on my own ideas.