‘We offer a different perspective’

The eyes of Hiska Bakker sparkle when she talks about her work. As programme maker and presenter at the Studium Generale, she and two colleagues make science and social issues accessible. They do this as part of the BMS faculty.

Studium Generale offers a highly varied programme full of lectures, debates, interviews and symposiums in the field of technology, science and society. ‘That relation – technology, science and society – is the core task of all education at BMS’, Bakker explains. She gives an example: ‘During a few episodes of our Studium Generale evenings about the world of chips, we do not exclusively look at the technology, but we also pay attention to the influence of chips on the world stage.’

Everyone is welcome to attend a Studium Generale meeting, not just students and staff members. At a few meetings, Dutch is spoken. According to Bakker, the goal is and will remain the same. ‘Studium Generale broadens your world. You sometimes come into contact with subjects that you do not often come across. You learn new things that you may not expect. After each meeting, half an hour is taken for questions from the audience. As a presenter, I try to create an open atmosphere by asking questions myself too. It is especially by formulating the questions that you start to think.’

Not only scientists tell their story, experts also speak about their work and about the world in which we live. Victor Mids is one such example. ‘As an illusionist and physician, he brings together illusion and science in a unique way.’ Bakker looks at the future positively. ‘Studium Generale is always needed, maybe now more than ever. We offer a different perspective on society. Society is so polarized with fixed opinions, we are there to show that there are also other perspectives.’

She hopes to be part of BMS for a very long time. ‘The faculty gives us the freedom to fully focus on the content, that has been a benefit on our quality and makes it a joy to work.’