Board of the University proud of national coverage of Feringa’s ‘Everyday Molecules’

Last week, Ben Feringa and Anouk Lubbe presented the first copy of their book Alledaagse Moleculen (Everyday Molecules) to minister Robbert Dijkgraaf. The richly illustrated book offers an accessible overview of 180 substances in our daily lives. The Board of the University is particularly proud of Professor Feringa and research manager Lubbe’s initiative, which has received national coverage in the Dutch talk show Khalid en Sophie, the NOS podcast Met het Oog op Morgen, and on the Nemo Kennislink website, among others.

'I’m really impressed by the book,' says Rector Magnificus Cisca Wijmenga. 'Ben and Anouk do a wonderful job of showing just how interesting it is to understand the breadth and importance of chemistry. This is a fantastically fun introduction to chemistry for every Dutch person.' In their book, Feringa and Lubbe discuss the main molecules in our immediate environment. Feringa: ‘Through this book, we also want readers to experience the wonder of everyday molecules. Enjoy the versatility and beauty of the molecular building blocks of the world around us. What is your favourite molecule?’

Impact Festival

The Board views Feringa and Lubbe’s efforts as a textbook example of how UG scientists can contribute to society, in keeping with the ‘Making Connections’ Strategic Plan. The Board is keen to encourage similar outreach activities. With this in mind, it is also embracing the new plans of the Research & Impact cluster (University Services) to explore opportunities for an annual Impact Festival, starting in 2024.

This festival is expected to focus on the UG’s external, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary collaborations and the impact that the University has through them. The Impact Festival will also provide a fantastic opportunity to open our doors and give partners a glimpse inside the walls of the UG. The plan is for the current Ben Feringa Impact Award to become a key feature of the future Impact Festival.

Further information

• Watch: Feringa and Lubbe on Khalid en Sophie (from 22:55)
• Listen: Hoe scheikunde heel alledaags is: ‘Chemie is niet iets engs en magisch’ (Met het Oog op Morgen)
• Read: Moleculen zijn niet ver van je bed (Nemo Kennislink)