Centre for Science and Culture

At the Centre for Science and Culture, we bring science, culture and society together. We contribute to broad-based education, manage academic heritage and promote public engagement in research.

Public engagement

kinderen kijken door een zelfgemaakte spectroscoop naar verschillende soorten lampen
Science Weekend 2021

The world is facing major challenges that we can only tackle if we work together and share knowledge. Understanding and familiarity between science and society are essential in this regard. Society benefits when everyone can learn how scientific research works and how to recognise reliable information. That is why Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ takes its responsibility seriously to make research accessible, familiar and relevant to everyone.

At the Centre for Science and Culture, we organise events and activities that bring together academics, students and a broad and diverse audience. In doing so, we increase scientific literacy, stimulate critical thinking, create greater mutual understanding and trust, and strengthen public debate.

Academic heritage

The new UMU

Since 1928, the UMU (Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Museum) has connected generations of academics, students and the public, and serves as the university's memory.

The rich collection of academic heritage at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ consists of 180,000 objects and reflects 390 years of research and innovation.

The UMU uses the collection to show how science works and what impact research has. The emphasis is on scientific literacy, inquiry-based learning and actively involving the public. Collaboration with researchers from Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ is indispensable in this regard. More information .

The Centre for Science and Culture manages this heritage, ensures that it is (partly) displayed in the museum and makes it accessible for research, education and social reflection. In this way, the collection remains valuable – both within the university and beyond.

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Studium Generale talkshow in the Utrecht public library

Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ believes it is important for students to learn to think critically and develop into engaged citizens.

That is why Studium Generale, the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's platform for knowledge and reflection, organises free lectures and talk shows on science and society. More information

Afro Dance Contemporary at Parnassos Cultural Centre

Parnassos Cultural Centre was founded to contribute to the broad education of students and staff. It is a place where creativity flourishes: a breeding ground, meeting place, outlet and close-knit community where everyone is welcome. The centre houses student music and theatre companies and offers a wide range of cultural courses. Parnassos challenges, encourages experimentation and gives participants the opportunity to develop their talents and experience culture. More information

In this way, the Centre for Science and Culture promotes the academic and cultural development of students and staff, their well-being and social cohesion within the university.

Stay tuned

In our newsletter, we keep you up to date on new projects, inspiring stories, seed fund calls and calls for public engagement projects.