“Art can make more of an impression than an article in Nature”
Henk Kummeling has been rector of Utrecht ľϸӰ since June 1, 2018. As he prepares to step down as rector during the 2025 Dies, we take the opportunity to ask him to reflect on his legacy in the field of public engagement.
Looking back on your time as rector, what inspired you to engage in public engagement, and what impact has that had?
“I have always seen academia as a contact sport, because you cannot serve society without staying closely connected to it. Making this mindset part of university culture doesn't happen overnight. For a long time, publications were the basis of academic careers. That's why over the past 20 years we have invested in research and education programs that focus on engaging society in problem solving. We have built multidisciplinary communities and given people the skills and tools to work together effectively. A wonderful result is that public engagement and open science are now part of our DNA - something the staff of Utrecht ľϸӰ are very proud of.”
We need to do a better job of communicating our insights.
Can you give an example that impressed you?
“I remember walking out of Hoog Catharijne on my way to the 'Pathways to Sustainability' conference when I saw a young couple with two small children standing in front of the giant plastic whale, an art installation that brings attention to the plastic pollution of the ocean. Eagerly, one of the boys explained to me what the whale stood for and I thought, “This is it! Art can make more of an impression than an article in Nature. Since then, I've started thinking more about how we can use art as a tool for public engagement.”
Do you have any final advice for the future of public engagement?
“Looking at the wave of climate skeptics or the proposed cuts, we need to do a better job of communicating the insights of our research and the value of our education - especially to policymakers. Of course, we can't convince everyone of the importance of science to help us establish facts and truth, whether it's climate change or social inequality. But not trying is not an option. Public engagement is central at universities and we must support those who dare to innovate in this area, including career paths that recognize its importance.”
Prof. Henk Kummeling is professor of Comparative Constitutional Law and served as rector magnificus of Utrecht ľϸӰ from 2018 to 2025.
Text: Marta Jimenez
Photo: Thijs Rooimans