Out now: Close-up #2
New stories about public and science
Behind the scenes at Weekend of Science, a unique glimpse into the role of professor of public engagement Erik van Sebille and the importance of equal discussions at A word about tomorrow in libraries in Utrecht. This is just a small selection from the second edition of the magazine In Beeld of the Centre for Science and Culture. The magazine also features inspiring columns, background stories and experiences of researchers, staff and the public. This magazine shows the connection between public and science at our university. Curious?
More than anything else, engaging a broad audience in science involves organising encounters. Precisely this has been a challenge in the past two pandemic years. Some programmes involving partners at the university and elsewhere had to be postponed until better days. On the other hand, we discovered just how flexible we could be. An alternative format was formulated for Weekend van de Wetenschap (Science Weekend), while school programmes, public programmes and workshops were transformed into online and hybrid events. At the Centre for Science and Culture (CWC) we continually looked for new challenges, new formats and, above all, new audiences.
Great collaborations
Collaborations often produce the best results. In the magazine, for example, we talk about cooperation with Vechtclub and the Centre for Unusual Collaborations during Betweter Festival, but also with more unexpected partners such as Animal Rights. Dr. Monique Janssens tells us that researchers are initially reluctant to enter into cooperation with animal rights organisations, but that it often leads to beautiful projects. You will also find columns by researcher and teacher Marij Swinkels and researcher Susanna Bloem, and this time the audience itself will have its say. Be inspired by all the stories, develop your own ideas and find suitable partners to realise them.
In Beeld #2 in print
Would you like to receive a printed copy? Send an email to publicengagement@uu.nl. Are you curious about the first edition? Read In Beeld #1 here. At you can find more information and you can subscribe to the newsletter.
Public Engagement
Engaging a broad and diverse public with science is also called Public Engagement. Public Engagement is one of the themes of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视's Open Science Programme. Open Science means: sharing scientific results and data and making them usable, and also defining the research topics together with people outside the academic community. This is essential to keep the relationship between science and society open and democratic.