Testing ground for postdocs
In 2024, ten postdocs from the Faculty of Science immersed themselves in public engagement for a full year. They took part in the Public Engagement Academy for postdocs, a pilot organised by the faculty’s communications department and the Centre for Science and Culture. What did this course bring them? Two participants and one of the initiators share their experiences.
Monique de Jager organised the biodiversity project ‘Aanwaaiers’ for primary school pupils:
"When I started, I already had a plan for an activity. I hoped the course would give me a better idea of how to approach such a project properly. It turned out to be a great starting point to explore what’s possible. We received practical tips, such as where to apply for a Public Engagement Seed Fund, and we were encouraged to reflect. For instance, I had never thought about how to test what you're actually achieving with your target audience. Following that suggestion, a Master’s student will soon be researching this. In May 2025, several primary schools will begin their own investigations!"
Dr Monique de Jager is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Science.
William Beckerson created a VR game about zombie ants:
"In the US, I did a lot of public engagement, but in the Netherlands I still had to find my way. This course gave me the contacts and ideas to move forward here too. I learned where to go with practical questions, how to build on existing initiatives, and how to choose an audience. I used to want to reach everyone, but now I know it’s more effective to focus. I think this course is really important. It should have the same status as the BKO (Basic Teaching Qualification, ed.), so that, as a researcher, you can show that you’ve been trained in science communication."
Dr William Beckerson is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Science.
Irma Vermeend, head of communications at the Faculty of Science:
"As a faculty, we believe it’s important to invest in young researchers. We want their research to truly have an impact on society. Open Science plays a major role in that. By making knowledge widely accessible and actively engaging in dialogue, we increase the impact of our research. The Engage Academy helps postdocs tell their story, build collaborations, and share their research in a clear and inspiring way. That’s not only beneficial for their own development, but also for the visibility and relevance of our faculty."
Irma Vermeend is head of communications at the Faculty of Science.
Text: Lieke Dekker
Photo's: Ivar Pel, Sandy van Heerde, Marit Bijkerk
More information
Would you like to know more about the Public Engagement Academy?
Get in touch with Nieske Vergunst (n.l.vergunst@uu.nl)
Click the buttons below for more information about the postdocs’ projects.