In the Faces of Science project, PhD candidates communicate about their research and their lives as young researchers through blogs, vlogs, articles, lectures, media appearances and activities on social media. By doing so, they aim to inspire young people and fuel their enthusiasm for science, regardless of their background or level of education.
Together, the PhD students form the Faces of Science network and are offered tools and training to further develop their science communication skills.
Curious about all the Faces of Science? Take a look at the NEMO Kennislink website for an overview.
People sometimes tell me that I don’t look like a scientist, because of my fashionable outfit or because I wear make-up, for example. The nutty professor stereotype – an old man with his hair sticking out all over – is still fairly common. But that’s a false image, and I like – and even find it exciting – to chip away at it, along with other experts, so that everyone can be themselves and pursue their passion, regardless of the status quo.
All subject areas
PhD candidates at a university in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (up to year prior to receiving their PhD) who have (or would like to develop) an appealing way of sharing their research with various Faces of Science target groups, including secondary school students and teachers.
Are you prepared to produce a new blog or vlog at least once a month, attend at least two network meetings a year and participate regularly in various forms of science communication? Then ask an Academy or Young Academy member to nominate you for Faces of Science! Have a look at the Faces of Science website for inspiration.
Every member of the Academy and member or alumnus of The Young Academy may nominate one PhD candidate a year. NEMO Kennislink may nominate a maximum of 10 PhD candidates a year.
For Faces of Science, we aim for a diverse group of scientists every year. After all, different experiences, insights and backgrounds make for the best and most relevant research. We also want to inspire young people, because science belongs to and is for everyone. Young people are most touched when they can recognise themselves in the stories and backgrounds of the scientists we select.
Do you know a PhD student who can contribute to this diversity? Please nominate them! For this edition, we especially invite you to nominate people of colour, non-binary people, people with disabilities and men.
‘Through Faces of Science, I hope that people who read my blogs will gain a clearer picture of what it’s like to be a scientist. When I was at secondary school, I didn’t really have any idea of what was involved. I wanted above all to be a doctor, and it was only later that I came to enjoy doing research. When young people are deciding what to study, I hope what I have to say will make them enthusiastic about science. I also hope I can teach my readers something, or make them think about my field.’
The Faces of Science project is run NEMO Kennislink, the Academy and The Young Academy and is financed by the Lira Foundation.
Established in 2013, Faces of Science is a network of PhD candidates from all around the Netherlands and across all disciplines. As Faces of Science, the PhD candidates focus on science communication. They write and talk about their research, but also about their lives as young scientists and what that involves, for example to give youngsters who are about to choose a course of study an idea of what it’s like to be a scientist.
