Researchers continue to receive support in strengthening their connection with society
Science communication adviser Eva Slings spent the past year, as part of her LDE traineeship, working on questions around societal impact and public engagement in several research projects. She will now stay on, because the message from researchers is clear: it works.
Eva: ‘It is great to see how many researchers are already doing a good job of strengthening their connection with society. And how a few additional actions can help them achieve even more.’
A mother shares her perspective
For example, research group GUTS managed to retain a large part of its participant pool between two different measurement points. The same applies to the research project on distracted eating: almost all participants from wave one also took part in wave two. And for her study, Kaya Peerdeman asked a mother to explain why it can be relevant for pregnant women to take part in her research.
Van lunchsessie tot inloopspreekuur
Just like last year, the ambitions are high. Eva will once again be involved in several research projects over a longer period, and she will also continue to share knowledge with anyone who needs it. This includes the video series Rondje Psychologie, the Science Communication Stories lunch sessions and new drop-in hours, where she can brainstorm with researchers with more researchers in an accessible way and help them move forward.
Connecting with practice
Eva: ‘Because my position is shared between the Faculty Office and the institute, I can build bridges between practice at Psychology and science communication policy at the faculty and university levels. The active involvement of citizens and societal partners in research, citizen science and co-creation have now become structural parts of research, and we need to continue to keep these topics on the agenda.’
Contact Eva
Would you like to discuss your ideas with Eva? You can now book an hour during her drop-in hours. If you would like more extensive support, please contact the research coordinator of your department. They will soon be able to tell you more about the conditions and possibilities.
Colleagues explain
To mark the end of her traineeship year, Eva has clearly brought together all the knowledge she gathered on the staff website. You can also find three new videos there, in which your colleagues share tips on recruiting and retaining participants and reporting back on the research. So make sure to have a look at the page on science communication.