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Can we make the earth spin in the opposite direction?

New video from the University of the Netherlands featuring Diederik Roest
09 February 2026

The video is in Dutch, but English subtitles are available

In the new episode of University of the Netherlands, cosmologist Diederik Roest from the University of Groningen answers five questions about our crazy universe, such as: What do the Earth and running people have to do with a hamster in a hamster wheel? How can black holes cause the entire universe to vibrate? And what exactly is space-time?

Diederik Roest

Diederik Roest is Professor of Quantum Gravity and Cosmology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is interested in the mathematical properties of string theory, but likes to draw a line from abstract theory to concrete experiment. For example, he is investigating how evidence for the existence of string theory could be demonstrated by observations at the largest distance scales, such as cosmic background radiation. Driven by a passion for communicating complex science, Roest wants to contribute to trust in science. Last October, Roest joined the Van Swinderen Institute as its new scientific director, succeeding Daniel Boer.

About the University of the Netherlands

At the University of the Netherlands, inspiring scientists share interesting and new insights from their field through short lectures. In various formats, they bring science to life for a young and broad audience by answering a stimulating question every week. From dark matter to love in animals: everything is covered.

More information

Diederik Roest

Universiteit van Nederland

Last modified:09 February 2026 1.39 p.m.
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