Talks around Town

Impression

This is Talks around Town, the new public engagement programme of Utrecht University's Centre for Science and Culture, which focuses on connecting with society.

Have a chat with someone you don't know

In Talks around Town, researchers visit libraries, shopping centres and other public places to talk to random passers-by. In a relaxed setting, you briefly explain the essence of your research and ask your conversation partner for their reaction. The aim of this programme is mutual acquaintance. It benefits everyone involved: both parties can discover new outlooks on life and research.

Please note that the interviews are in Dutch and not in English, as most participants are not comfortable speaking English.

It was remarkable to speak to so many different people of different ages and hear which aspects of my research appealed to them.

Are you a researcher and would you like to participate?

By participating, you will discover new perspectives on your research, come into contact with people you would not necessarily meet in day-to-day life, and contribute to the connection between science and society.

We will assist you beforehand with one-on-one coaching. How do you tell a comprehensible story that the other person will remember, and perhaps encourage them to think? And what questions can you ask to get the conversation going? On location, we will provide a host who will ask passers-by to participate. And, of course, we will take care of all the practical preparations.

We're always looking for new locations