Water quality monitored with Citizen Science and The making of UT Science Stories UT Science Communication Club Thursday 28 May 2026

Nowadays as researchers we are increasingly expected to communicate our science to a wider audience, to engage in dialogue with citizens and other actors, or pitch our research for funding to a non-specialist audience. Science communication is an integral part of our responsibility to society. As with any skill, practice makes perfect—and progress is faster when we share our experiences. This is what we do at the Science Communication Club!

The next Science Communication Club will take place on Thursday 28 May 2026 (12:30 – 13:30h) in Ravelijn VIP room RA1315.

Insights from 5+ years of citizen science on water quality in the Netherlands

Rosan van Halsema, a PhD student at ITC and at the Netherlands Insitute for Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), will share her experiences from 5+ years of citizen science on the topic of water quality in the Netherlands. She has been part of the organization of two different dutch citizen science projects: Catch the Watermonsters (NL:Vang de Watermonsters) and Putting Water on the Map (NL: Water op de Kaart). Over the years they learned many lessons on what worked and what did not work in citizen science; such as digital versus physical measurements kits, (online) training or no training, and can you only expect one measurement or multiple per citizen scientist? In her talk she will take you on their experimental journey and share the insights they gained along the way. 

The making of UT Science Stories

Kees Wesselink, science communicator at the University of Twente, will share his experience with translating research into compelling UT Stories. Using concrete “Kees Studies,” he will show how small narrative choices can make complex research more engaging and shareable for a broader audience. You'll get practical insights you can apply right away to your own communication, but also inspiration to contribute to UT Stories with your own research.

PhD students can earn a certificate of 0.5 EC by attending 5 meetings and presenting / discussing an own example. Subscribe to Teams and put the dates in your agenda.

Dates in 2026

• Thursday 25 June 2026, venue Ravelijn VIP room RA1315
• Thursday 17 September 2026, venue tbc
• Thursday 29 October 2026, venue tbc
• Thursday 26 November 2026, venue tbc