Mindlab

Ellen Giebels, professor of social psychology of conflict and safety, took the initiative for the theatre performance Mindlab, performed by TheaterMakers Radio Kootwijk. The play was about truthtelling, values and truthfulness within the institution ‘the university’.

‘Science is under scrutiny, for integrity issues, social return, the quality of education, internationalisation and financing. In spite of the increasing demands, I still love to work in academia’, says Giebels. ‘During the past years, however, I’m thinking more and more often: how can I keep all the plates spinning? What is it that really matters? And I see that others ask themselves the same questions. So, the time is ripe for a reflection on what drives us, defines us, occupies our minds. What do we really value in our work? I myself believe in a multitude of ways to change a culture, one is a theatre performance. Not just standing on the barricade on your own, laying things down on paper or making policy from above.’