Talks around Town
Impression
Connect with society
Attention researchers! Would you like to discuss your research with people outside the university? Join Talks around Town
In this new public programme, researchers visit libraries, markets 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.
By participating, you will discover new perspectives on your research, come into contact with people you would not normally talk to, and contribute to the connection between science and society.
Please note that the interviews are in Dutch and not in English, as most participants are not comfortable speaking English.
The first places have been announced
From Tuesday the 11th to Saturday November the 15th 2025, we will be holding discussions in the main hall of the Neude library. Will you be there?
Register before the 3rd of November using the button below.
If these dates don't suit you, but you would like to participate at another time, please indicate this on the form and we will keep you informed.
What can you expect?
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.
More information
Talks around Town is a project run by Utrecht 木瓜福利影视's Centre for Science and Culture. In previous years, researchers responded enthusiastically to the predecessor of this programme: A word about Tomorrow.
Evaluations of that programme led to the creation of the accessible Talks around Town. The programme encourages conversation and familiarity between scientists and a truly broad audience. Do you have any questions, would you like to know more about this project, or do you have any location suggestions for Talks around Town? Please contact project leader Lieke Dekker, l.dekker@uu.nl.