The Public Engagement and Science Communication (PESC) group is part of the Freudenthal Institute at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视.

At PESC, we study how scientists can be effective and inclusive in their communication and engagement with society. Through our research and teaching, we develop an evidence base for science communication on complex problems such as climate change and public health.

The Public Engagement and Science Communication (PESC) group contributes to education and research for stimulating informal education and increasing scientific literacy for all in society. In addition to our research, we provide up-to-date science communication education for a variety of student cohorts. We are leading in national and international networks of science communication teachers and active in the area of open science and communication skills in higher education.

The main strategic aims of the PESC research group include:

  1. To provide excellent teaching in science communication;
  2. To increase the impact, visibility, and reach of our teaching and research within UU;
  3. To increase the international recognition of our research in Public Engagement and Science Communication.

Interview: science with and for society

Being appointed Professor of Oceanography and Public Engagement at the end of 2021 was a dream come true for Erik van Sebille. 鈥淪cience communication is not about conveying the facts, but about an understanding of how science works.鈥

Read the interview with Prof. Erik van Sebille
Aike Vonk

Publication: How universities contribute to the spread of misinformation

Universities play a crucial role in disseminating reliable scientific information, for example through press releases about important research findings. Ironically, those same press releases can sometimes also contribute to false perceptions. How does this happen?

Read the interview with Aike Vonk

Mind shadows - Talking about Stimulus

How do people with a brain disorder experience overstimulation and how can you make these, often invisible complaints, more visible? What role can GenAI play in this? In the ''Hersenschimmen'' research project, participants create images that show how they experience overstimulation. Do these images make communication about overstimulation between people with overstimulation, their loved ones and involved care providers, easier and more pleasant?

More about the project