Lowlands to Weekend of Science: Why Participate

Sparking scientific enthusiasm in hundreds of people at once? It can easily happen when you share your knowledge at one of the many science events organised throughout the Netherlands. Taking part offers more than just visibility. It can also provide new insights that you can use in your own research.

Why taking part is worthwhile

Researchers Rachel Plak and Dietsje Jolles (both affiliated with the Institute of Education and Child Studies) take part in several of these events every year, together with their colleagues Kiki Zanolie and Anne Landvreugd (see box Expeditie Binnenwereld).

'I particularly enjoy and value festivals for children, because they give children the opportunity to encounter science from a young age,' says Jolles. 'Children discover that science is not just about dry facts and difficult formulas, such as E = mc², but also about curiosity, asking questions and searching for answers together. I hope that children at science festivals see that science is not something distant. It connects to their daily lives, and they can be part of it themselves.'

'What I especially like about these types of events is the atmosphere. People really come to explore, look around, ask questions and be surprised,' adds Plak.

The public broadens your perspective

According to Plak, interaction with visitors also offers the opportunity to look at your own work from a different perspective.

'It is precisely contact with the public that often generates new insights. You notice which questions people really have, which topics resonate and where misunderstandings arise.'

She adds: 'I also think it is important to step outside the academic bubble regularly. At the university, we often speak with colleagues who share the same language and background knowledge. During public activities, you are forced to reconsider how you explain things and what impact they have on people's everyday lives. People's curiosity is contagious. Children in particular can respond so enthusiastically, creatively and openly that it also makes you look at your own field differently. That is incredibly valuable.'

These experiences can then be applied directly in your own work. Jolles adds: 'It is very useful to be able to explain your research in clear language. This is not always easy, but it often helps you get to the core of your work and articulate more clearly why you do what you do.'

This is how it is done

So taking part in a public event offers clear benefits-but what if you are not sure how it works? At many events, you need to turn your research into an engaging and accessible activity. Every visitor, young or old, needs to understand what you are presenting. This can be challenging, as Jolles also pointed out.

To inspire other researchers, Plak and Jolles delivered a keynote at a preparatory workshop for participants of the Weekend of Science 2026-one of the largest science engagement events in the country.

'In this keynote, we explained how to truly engage children with science,' says Plak. 'Children are naturally curious, but curiosity alone is not always enough to hold their attention or keep them motivated.'

Jolles adds: 'As scientists, when planning an activity, we often start from our own expertise: what is interesting and important to tell? What impressive demonstrations can we show?'

But: 'For a successful activity, it is at least as important to consider who your audience is. Are you addressing children, adults, or people with a specific interest or background? It is also essential to be clear about your goal. Do you want to spark curiosity? Teach something? Or encourage people to think differently about a certain topic?'

When designing an effective activity, these are the first questions to ask yourself. 'Only then should you start thinking about the content and format of the activity,' Jolles concludes.

Once you have developed a strong and engaging activity that truly draws in your audience, nothing stands in the way of a successful event participation.