Summer Science Talks

In this series of interviews in Dutch, we will talk about social issues and recent developments. Focusing on the researcher’s field of expertise on the one hand and current affairs on the other, we try to identify how the times are changing.

On this webpage, new interviews will be published during the summermonths. Of course you can also check the Studium Generale playlist on Youtube for updates.

Please feel free to share the videos. Our hashtags: #SGTilburg #TilburgU

Kees de Groot – Church and religion in liquid times

Sociologist and theologian Professor Kees de Groot was interviewed by program manager Has Klerx on the ‘liquidation’ of the (Roman-Catholic) church and on religion in our ‘liquid modernity’. This is illustrated, among other things, by developments in pastoral care, Christian spiritual centers, and secular theater. Other topics include meaning in corona times and the contribution of catholic social thinking as regards economic trends.

Kees de Groot is Professor of Sociology of Religion and Public Mental Health at the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology of Tilburg University. The interviewer is Has Klerx, program manager of Studium Generale at Tilburg University.

Peter Achterberg – Public confidence in science & the struggle for cultural identity

Cultural sociologist Professor Peter Achterberg talks about the public confidence in institutions, in particular the confidence in ‘science’. Achterberg explains that ‘science’ in our information society has to deal with many truth claims. In this context, conspiracy thinkers, anti-vaxxers, and the Dutch Cabinet’s corona policy pass in review. Furthermore, following the recent Black Lives Matter protests, the struggle for cultural identity is discussed. And finally how a sociologist responds to the individualist nature of present-day society.

Peter Achterberg is Professor of Sociology at the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences of Tilburg University. The interviewer is Has Klerx, program manager of Studium Generale, Tilburg University.

Conny Rijken – Human trafficking and refugee issues

Law Professor Conny Rijken is interviewed about human trafficking and refugee issues. International agreements as well as a number of current examples are discussed: ‘urban refugees’ and the camps in Greece, the situation in migration hubs in Africa, the situation in Dutch abattoirs, agriculture and horticulture, the asylum seekers that disappear without a trace from reception centers, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Rijken will also introduce her research on ‘victimigration’ and refugee children in Turkey. Rijken argues in favor of more European and other solidarity and better awareness of discrimination.

Conny Rijken is Professor of Human Trafficking and Globalization at Tilburg Law School. The interviewer is Has Klerx, program manager of Studium Generale, Tilburg University.

Bart Engelen - Morality and policy in corona times

Ethicist and political philosopher Dr. Bart Engelen zooms in on the Dutch and Belgian corona policies and analyses the ethical values at stake in enforcing the policy measures introduced. How do you balance values like privacy, health, and freedom? And how far can a government go in stimulating compliance with the rules? With his students, he is working on a project in which concrete moral examples are centralized as a practical approach to addressing abstract ethical dilemmas. Instead of stuffy discussions about centuries-old theories, Engelen propagates a contemporary approach to philosophy, in which anything can provide input for critical reflection.

Bart Engelen is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University. The interviewer is Oskar Knötschke, program manager at Studium Generale, Tilburg University.

Emile Aarts & Margriet Sitskoorn - Corona & "The New Common"

Emile Aarts and Margriet Sitskoorn gave an interview about how as co-editors (of a team of four) they helped create the book The New Common – How the COVID-19 Pandemic is Transforming Society. A collection of 31 essays written by 54 Tilburg University researchers, The New Common covers a wide range of observations, view, and vistas - all relating to the Corona pandemic. Aarts and Sitskoorn talk about witnessing history in the making, the accelerating digital transformation, the vulnerability of several groups in society, and the importance of human contact. The current state of urgency is a catalyst for change and calls for the close interaction of social scientists, students, and external partners. At Tilburg University the Impact Program builds bridges and is a driver of collaborations and awareness.

Emile Aarts is Professor of Information Technology at the Tilburg School of Management and Economics of Tilburg University. Margriet Sitskoorn  is Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences of Tilburg University and Program Manager of the Enhancing Health & Wellbeing Program at the Impact Team of Tilburg University. The interviewer is Has Klerx, Senior Program Manager at Studium Generale, Tilburg University.