This document discusses developing an accessible science culture in the Netherlands. It notes that while the Netherlands has high quality research, it is only a moderate innovator. Few Dutch students enroll in STEM studies compared to other countries. To increase STEM participation, universities can focus on engagement, gender equality, science education, ethics, open access, and governance. Different approaches are discussed, such as public events, collaborative learning, and open dissemination of research results to involve society and design science responsibly. The goal is to make science a more inclusive human endeavor and resource.

1. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Citta della Scienza:
Design for all
culture and accessibility
Bart van de Laar
Science LinX – University of Groningen

2. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Can we build an accessible
science culture?

3. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

4. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

5. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

6. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
The Dutch and science, a paradox (high quality research, but
a ‘moderate follower’ on innovation; Innovations Union
Scoreboard, EU).
Dutch students and STEM studies (low enrollments in
international comparison; Education at a Glance, OECD).
Dutch education is 'high on lows, low on highs' (Dutch
education is very good in educating the average student;
PISA, TIMSS).

7. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
%studentsS&T
Bron: Rand Corporation 2005. Stimulating Science and Technology in Higher Education

8. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

9. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Target audience

10. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
focus on status (low)
focus on status (high)
theoretical mindsetpractical mindset
what can I become?
what can I contribute?
what can I do?
what can I learn?

11. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
High Techs
(31%)
Career Techs
(28%)
Socially-
Minded
Generalists
(28%)
Non
Techs
(13%)

12. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Developing an accessible
science culture

13. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

14. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
%studentsS&T

15. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
%studentsS&T

16. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
%studentsS&T

17. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Night of Art and
Science
• University of
Groningen,
University Medical
Centre, Hanze
University of
Applied Science
and Municipality
• 2009 – 2015
• 10-15.000 visitors

18. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Science truck,
‘your energy for
tomorrow
• University of
Groningen, GasTerra
• science truck,120
schools/yr
• 2005 – 2017
• energy transition
campaign

19. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Do we meet our goals?

20. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
The number of STEM-students enrolling in the Northern Netherlands

21. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
The number of STEM-students enrolling in the Netherlands

22. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
%studentsS&T

23. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
In Europe?

24. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Universities and research institutes play a central
role in RRI, how can they adopt and sustain:
• Engagement: choose together
• Gender equality: unlock the full potential – gender
and inclusion
• Science education: creative learning – fresh ideas
• Ethics: do the right think
• Open access: share results to advance
• Governance: design science for and with society

25. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

26. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Future scenarios

27. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

28. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

29. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
29
Thank you
b.j.van.de.laar@rug.nl

30. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

31. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
And now?

32. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
BetaMentality:
Its dimensions can be regarded as characteristics we all
possess to a varying degree, from ‘negative attitude and future
outlook’, ‘focus on people and society’, ‘practical mindset’,
‘interest in technology’ up to ‘focus on status’.
Within these five dimensions, young people are subdivided
into four groups; High Techs (31%), Career Techs (28%),
Socially-Minded Generalists (28%) and Non Techs (13%).

33. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
w/f society
33
Research projects
‘PWS’, science shops

34. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
w/f society
34
Host role model
events, like ‘Girls Day’

35. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
w/f society
35
CoL: teachers, university
and industry
researchers, science
centre experts

36. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
w/f society
36
open access;
dissemination H2020

37. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
w/f society
37
Public debates; science
cafes - role models ‘life
in the lab’

38. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Choose
together
Unlock the full
potential
Creative Learning
| Fresh ideas
Share results to
advance
Do the right think
| Do it right
Design science
f/w society
38
governance; policy to
prevent harmful and
unethical R&I

39. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx

40. |
faculty of mathematics
and natural sciences
science linx
Identity
research driven
science as human endeavor
resource
formal / informal
interactive
network
regional, national, international
stage for faculty staff
meritocratic
self supporting / widening opportunities