“Scientists are increasingly expected to share their research results with society,” says moderator Frank Kuppen. Together with colleagues from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Athena Instituut he researched how scientists can be given the time and space to do this. Two years ago, they presented a manual containing tips to the Ministry of Education and now there is this play, which has already been performed at nine other Dutch universities. It is different every time: the input actually comes from the audience and the actors improvise.
“This is Bartelijn, she is a researcher, in what?”, Kuppen asks the audience. “In gravitational waves,” rector Pamela Habibović answers. The audience, consisting of around 30 people, laughs; not the easiest of subjects. But fortunately, there is an expert present. Gideon Koekoek, associate professor at UM, carries out research into gravitational waves and is involved in the creation of the Einstein telescope. “It will allow us to take measurements deep into the universe and maybe we will be given the opportunity to research the Big Bang theory itself.”
After this explanation, Kuppen continues: “You are about to see a scene in which Bartelijn, who – in addition to doing research – also spends a lot of time on scientific communication, is pressured by her colleagues who don’t believe in that.” The scene starts. The actress talks enthusiastically about her Einstein telescope podcast, an interview with De Limburger, but she is slowly silenced by two fellow actors. She is pushed to the ground. “Gravitation worked well on her” Kuppen jokes.
In the scenes that follow, other recognisable situations for researchers emerge, such as a department meeting. The conclusion is that it is all only about publishing scientific articles, otherwise we don’t get any money. Halfway through the performance, there is a switch: more attention for communication. But how do you make that happen? An employee from the audience knows how this should be done and is immediately allowed to participate in the play.
Habibović raises her hand: “At the moment, the focus is only on sending information, but what we really need is input from the community.” Kuppen feels that this is a relevant remark. The last scene relates fully to that. “Before you are three residents from an area where the Einstein telescope is to be built. They all have their own interests: the one is happy with the tourism, the other is worried about the environment, and the third one would rather see his money being spent on something else.” The audience is divided into three groups who enter into conversation with the ‘residents.’ That is quite a job for those who have to talk to a fictious inhabitant from South Limburg. “I have lost all faith in science.”