It's about the project of geologist Bernd Andeweg and the project of neuropsychologist Dennis van ’t Ent.
Urban Geology
In the built environment of the Netherlands, natural stone was and is widely used. Facades, foyers, stairs, street furniture offer the opportunity to study rocks in different levels of detail. With geography teachers and amateur geologists in the Netherlands, Bernd Andeweg will develop routes - some of which already exist in printed form, with teachers on the shelf - into a site with GoogleMaps routes. Teachers and other connoisseurs can submit routes and search the site for nearby routes to introduce students to the different (main) rock groups. The applicants (Landelijke verenging voor Geologische Acitiveiten, Koninklijk Nederlands Aardrijkskundig Genootschap and VU Amsterdam) have a huge range of knowledge and target groups to serve. If the site is up to scratch, the wider public can also be reached to feed latent interest and increase the limited knowledge about rocks in general.
DNA cinema
Genetic research is currently developing rapidly and more and more is becoming possible, such as identifying predispositions for diseases and behaviour, embryonic selection and DNA modification. The current generation of adolescents will be most affected by these developments. It is therefore essential that this group is well informed about the interpretation and implications of genetic research, as well as aspects of ethics and privacy. Conversely, it is important that genetic research scientists are aware of the thoughts, and possible misconceptions, among adolescents and learn about the most optimal ways to communicate research findings.
To this end, Dennis van ‘t Ent (with Tessa Zonneveld and Margot van de Weijer of Amsterdam UMC and Melanie de Wit of VU Amsterdam) wants to approach secondary schools for the project ‘DNA cinema’ in which students prepare and carry out a film festival. During this project, students will make videos on topics related to genetic research and society. The videos are screened during the Scholieren Filmfestival together with an existing main film on this theme and activities in which the topics from the films are discussed with scientists. During the project, pupils think about the theme together and there is dialogue with scientists. In this way, we ensure that pupils become wiser in an accessible way and that young people and scientists learn from each other's perspectives on this theme.
Renewed science communication projects
Through the WECOM call, the NWA aims to stimulate renewed science communication projects. This can include innovative ways to make the general public experience science, and to interest new target groups in science. Interaction and cooperation between science and society are central to this mission. Funding enables professionals from knowledge institutions, museums and public organisations to develop innovative forms of science communication. The aim is to bring scientific research and the role of science in society to the attention of society at large. Special attention is given to target groups that do not naturally come into contact with science.
Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) programme
Citizens are at the heart of creating and renewing the Dutch Research Agenda. The link between society and science is a key element of the NWA programme. Governments, researchers, civil society organisations and citizens work together to develop and use knowledge to achieve scientific and societal impact. And through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase engagement and trust in science.
Read about the other awarded projects on the NWO website