Preface Close-up #4: New
This is the fourth edition of Close-up, the magazine in which we show how we build bridges between researcher and public at Utrecht University
This edition has a festive touch, as we devote several articles to the renovated UMU (University Museum Utrecht), which is breaking new ground in its encounter with the public. With his innovative museum, Utrecht University not only opened five new interactive exhibitions, but also offers a renewed stage for scientific literacy where visitors become researchers themselves.
Public engagement challenges everyone to think about new roles. For instance, what is the role of researchers in public debate? How much room is there for activism? And how do impact developers and other new connection professionals bridge the gap between research and society?
Be inspired by the stories and insights in this magazine and continue to explore new ways of connecting society and science. Happy reading!
Femke den Boer is director of the Centre for Science and Culture at Utrecht University
At the Centre for Science and Culture, we are always looking for researchers who want to contribute to public activities. By giving a family lecture in the new museum, visiting a primary school or setting up a citizen science project, for example. Would you like to work with the Centre for Science and Culture? Take a look at uu.nl/publicengagement or send an email to publicengagement@uu.nl.