European Researchers' Night

The student with the scalpel, the supervisor ensuring top care – how does it work? Learn stitching under the guidance of an experienced surgeon and dive into the world of the operating room. Discover how communication and behavior shape daily surgical practice. Together, we’ll explore the ‘grammar’ of learning and collaboration in the OR and learn how to analyze it from an interactive perspective.

Join us for an exciting start of the science festival! Hosts Lucas de Man and Renee van der Sluis will kick off the event with an interview with the University Rector Jacquelien Scherpen. The festivities will come alive with energetic beats from the drummers of Beat Plastic Waste who play instruments made from plastic waste. Andrew Greenwood will then guide the audience through some invigorating early night moves. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of science, arts, and movement!

The opening is in English.

On top of that all the highlights, we have approx. 40 science activities available throughout the night. Plenty to see & do for everyone!

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.

As the population ages and the shortage of healthcare professionals grows, caregiving within your own social network is becoming increasingly important. Who is part of your social network, and how can you effectively utilize it for caregiving? Map out your network, discover new possibilities, and share your experiences as a caregiver. Together, we can build sustainable care for the future.

With: Jasperina Brouwer
Hosted by: Sara van de Lustgraaf

Which researcher has the most attractive story? Listen to researchers presenting their stunning research findings while battling with each other for your attention!

Cristóbal Bertoglio
Mathematics in our veins

Jorge Perez
Software: to infinity and beyond!

Edoardo Baccini
Collective Intelligence: when many heads are better than few. In politics, science, and healthcare, making the right decisions is critical. Who should decide? A few experts or the collective? Join the talk to find out!

Host: Isa Visser.

Join us for Fashioning the Future where sustainable fashion meets innovative thinking! Dive into a discussion with Kim Poldner, a renowned expert in circular economic development. Discover how clothing shapes our identity and learn practical ways to make sustainable choices without sacrificing style. Explore the transformative power of digital fashion and find out how you can be a change-maker for a more sustainable future.

Hosted by: Lucas de Man.
Featuring: dancer Bab Ad-Daar 

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.

Artist Jan Kamensky creates short animated films of the transformation of car-dominated streets into human-friendly places. Check out his Groningen visual utopia and the importance of breaking the rules!

INTERACTIVE SESSION - Former dancer and ballet master Andrew Greenwood sees dance as medicine for people with limited mobility due to illness. His ambition? To integrate dance into healthcare as a preventive measure against diseases like Parkinson's, MS, and dementia. Experience the transformative power of movement during his workshop.

MYTH BUSTER - From the deepest depths to colorful coral reefs, marine life has developed ingenious adaptations to tackle the challenges beneath the waves. Think of octopuses mimicking fish, blind shrimp building tunnels, and crabs strutting like models in an underwater fashion show. Come see breathtaking images and listen to fascinating stories about the most innovative inhabitants of the ocean.

With: Sancia van der Meij
Host: Colin Mooijman

WORKSHOP - Did you know that the food offerings in cafeterias, supermarkets, and on the streets consist of only about 20% healthy options? It could be much healthier! What do you think about that? Do you usually find it easy to choose something healthy, or is it difficult? Come by and share your opinion!

With: Andrea Werkman, Lizette Oudhuis
Hosted by: Sara van de Lustgraaf
 

A wax model of a pregnant woman, Heymans' mysterious measuring devices and whale bones. The Universiteitsmuseum Groningen is full of special instruments and objects that make you think: what am I actually looking at? In the series Collector's Items, Studium Generale, in collaboration with the University Museum, provides a kaleidoscopic cross-section of this large collection, which provides a beautiful and sometimes surprising look at the development of science. Especially for the European Researchers' Night, art historian and singer-songwriter Eva Waterbolk puts a number of these objects in the spotlight. What is a resonance sphere? What was a xylotheque used for? And why is there a piece of peat in the university museum?

What are the stories behind these objects? What do they tell us about how humans have related to art, science and nature over the centuries? Especially for this evening, Eva has invited neuroscientist Sander van Lanen to give a mini lecture based on these collector's items.

Visit Waterbolk's mini-museum and discover how the organic materials and creative processes of making the objects, and the search for scientific 'truths' are inextricably intertwined.

24-year-old activist Teun Toebes is on a mission to improve the lives of people with dementia. After living in a nursing home, he embarks on a global journey across four continents and 11 countries, exploring how dementia is managed worldwide. Alongside filmmaker Jonathan de Jong, Teun seeks solutions to make the future more inclusive. With dementia cases set to double in 20 years, this quest is crucial. 
 

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.

Our host Renee van der Sluis checks in with Sweden! What does their European Researchers’ Night look like? 

INTERACTIVE SESSION - Can you imagine your ideal world? Create a visual utopia of the street where you live with an artist Jan Kamensky and explore with the researcher Sander van Lanen the link between utopias and science.

Host: Colin Mooijman.

A wax model of a pregnant woman, Heymans' mysterious measuring devices and whale bones. The Universiteitsmuseum Groningen is full of special instruments and objects that make you think: what am I actually looking at? In the series Collector's Items, Studium Generale, in collaboration with the University Museum, provides a kaleidoscopic cross-section of this large collection, which provides a beautiful and sometimes surprising look at the development of science. Especially for the European Researchers' Night, art historian and singer-songwriter Eva Waterbolk puts a number of these objects in the spotlight. What is a resonance sphere? What was a xylotheque used for? And why is there a piece of peat in the university museum?

What are the stories behind these objects? What do they tell us about how humans have related to art, science and nature over the centuries? Visit Waterbolk's mini-museum and discover how the organic materials and creative processes of making the objects, and the search for scientific 'truths' are inextricably intertwined.

WORKSHOP - Prevention is a hot topic, but who is it really meant for – the young or the elderly? Should we focus on "Early learning, lifelong benefits," or is "You're never too old to learn" a better approach? We’re eager to hear your thoughts and warmly invite you to join the discussion! 

With: Fons van der Lucht, Herbert Rolden
Hosted by: Sara van de Lustgraaf

 

WORKSHOP - Can science explain the effects of meditation? Come and join the meditation workshop and learn from two scientists what happens in our brain when we meditate and why it helps us. Relax, unwind, and recharge with us, so you can enjoy the rest of the programme!

With: Brian Ostafin, Marieke van Vugt and Leonie Tiemessen 

TALKSHOW - Wind turbines and solar panels are everywhere, and electric cars and home insulation are becoming more common. But is our society truly ready for these changes? It’s not just about technology; it’s also about involving people and fairly distributing the benefits. How do we ensure that everyone can participate in the energy transition? Join the conversation!

Join Christopher Zuidema, an expert in sustainable urban management, and Bert Stuij, an energy technology specialist, as they share insights on transforming cities and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Hosted by Lucas de Man
With poetry by: Myron Hamming
 

Which researcher has the most attractive story? Listen to researchers presenting their stunning research findings while battling with each other for your attention!

Jesca de Jager
Brain-hacking? Psychedelic Drugs Against Rigid Thought Patterns.

Lotte van Poppel
Saving the world with metaphors?

Paul Vogt
What Does the Future with Robots Look Like?

Host: Isa Visser 

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.

Discover the resilience and talent of people with mental health challenges with researcher Lisette van der Meer and gain a unique insight into their experiences and emotions during the exhibition Resilience in Focus.

WORKSHOP - Towns and cities should be designed for people: at eye level, with stimulating sensory experiences and places where social interaction is easy, without domination by cars or buildings. How do you make a neighborhood, town or city attractive for everyone to play, move, and meet? And how do you promote active mobility, such as walking and cycling? Share all your ideas during this workshop!

With: Berry van Holland, Jeannette Nijkamp
Hosted by: Sara van de Lustgraaf
 

Discover how research shapes our world! Learn from FC Groningen about the science behind physical exercise, and explore eVRgreen Studio’s insights on using VR technology to combat climate change. Listen to the story of Leontien Spoelstra and discover how Municipality Groningen brings science to practice.

Lindy van Damen (eVRgreen Studio)
Kaelin Staats (FC Groningen)
Leontien Spoelstra (Gemeente Groningen)
 

Discover the future of social media and mental health in this session with Marieke Pijnenborg, expert in environmental psychology, and a distinguished researcher Ulrike Schultze, studying implications of social media on personal identity! Dive into critical discussions on social media's impact on our mental health and its role in our identity shaping and self-image!

Featuring singer and songwriter Leonie Tiemessen.
Host: Lucas de Man.

Why do we see cigarette butts everywhere – in streets, water wells, and on beaches? Why is this behavior so normalized, and what impact do these tiny products have on our environment and health? Join this interactive session to share your thoughts and learn about the science behind it. Host Colin Mooijman talks tothree experts on cigarette waste, health law, and global interventions.

With:
UG Green office
Dominique Mollet
Jurjen van der Schans

A wax model of a pregnant woman, Heymans' mysterious measuring devices and whale bones. The Universiteitsmuseum Groningen is full of special instruments and objects that make you think: what am I actually looking at? In the series Collector's Items, Studium Generale, in collaboration with the University Museum, provides a kaleidoscopic cross-section of this large collection, which provides a beautiful and sometimes surprising look at the development of science. Especially for the European Researchers' Night, art historian and singer-songwriter Eva Waterbolk puts a number of these objects in the spotlight. What is a resonance sphere? What was a xylotheque used for? And why is there a piece of peat in the university museum?

What are the stories behind these objects? What do they tell us about how humans have related to art, science and nature over the centuries? Especially for this evening, Eva has invited neuroscientist Franciska de Beer to give a mini lecture based on these collector's items.

Visit Waterbolk's mini-museum and discover how the organic materials and creative processes of making the objects, and the search for scientific 'truths' are inextricably intertwined.

Be captivated by Duo Musa from Circus Santelli with their impressive chair balance act. This spectacular performance showcases what your body can do with the right amount of mobility and balance.

WORKSHOP - Extreme weather like heavy rain, droughts, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. With limited space for measures, municipalities are increasingly involving residents and businesses in climate adaptation. In this workshop with Allard Roest, you'll explore where and how to create space for climate adaptation around your home - whether it’s your garden, roof, or balcony. Everyone can make a difference!

Hosted by: Sara van de Lustgraaf

Dive into the topic of living in a smart world and protecting our digital footprints! Hear Oskar Grstein unravel the impact of digital policies on privacy and human dignity, and join Joëlle Swart as she explores what smart cities mean for digital inclusion and participation. Explore how smart city technology influences your daily life and learn strategies to protect your personal data. Engage with cutting-edge ideas and find out how to thrive in a data-driven world. Don’t miss out - be informed and empowered!

WORKSHOP - Join us for the workshop What do we want AI (not) to do? door Dagmar Heeg on the boundaries of artificial intelligence. Let's explore the ethical limits and define what roles we don't want AI to take on. Share your opinion and be part of shaping our future with technology! 

MYTH BUSTER - In a pandemic, a government decides to share data of citizens to a big pharmaceutical company in exchange for quick access to vaccines. It is an emergency, so there is no time for citizens' consent or a check from the ethics committee.

Trading data for vaccines can save many lives. But it also raises important questions: what data is being shared? How will it be used? Who will access it and could there be risks of discrimination?

Share what you think about promises and risks of mass-scale data sharing in a health emergency and join the interactive discussion with real-world examples!

With: Andrea Parziale
Host: Colin Mooijman

Discover the beauty of neuroscience through art! Students from Art Academy Minerva have turned groundbreaking research from the UG and the UMCG into captivating artworks. Be amazed by how they bring complex science to life in a creative and engaging way.

With: Franciska de Beer and more!

Picture credits: Polina Filippova

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.

Join Rogier de Nijs and his group sharing the story of their surreal performance where they turn garbage into beats of hope and transformation!

In the apocalyptic world of BEAT Plastic Waste, percussionists create music with instruments made from actual plastic trash. Join us for a surreal performance turning garbage into beats of hope and transformation! By Rogier De Nijs Group.