Podcast RUG & Co shows how the university is at the heart of society

A behind-the-scenes look at the UG: that is what Floor Kuiper (programme manager House of Connections) and Jelle Posthuma (impact journalist Schools for Science & Society) offer in the new RUG & Co podcast. Although universities are at the heart of society, this is not always visible. The podcast creators want to change that.

According to Kuiper and Posthuma, the podcast offers an opportunity to showcase the university's role in society. "We want to show how the university is part of society. We focus, among other things, on collaborations with governments, businesses, and residents of the North,’ says Posthuma.

Episode 1: Lobby in The Hague, higher education and elections

The first episode is all about lobbying, higher education, and the upcoming elections. With guests Sandra Beckerman, Member of Parliament for the SP, and Kevin Kruiter, lobbyist at the University of Groningen, Kuiper and Posthuma discuss how universities make their voices heard in The Hague. For many people, the world of political lobbyists sounds exciting and mysterious, but what is it really like?

The future of higher education is also discussed at length. This is an exciting period, not only for the country, but also for universities. New political relationships could have a major impact on funding, policy, and collaborations. Together, Kruiter and Beckerman share their views on current issues such as internationalization and the funding of education and research.