Failing forward (2021)

The cohort 2021 project is entitled “Failing forward” and seeks to reframe failure in a constructive way to fuel personal and societal development. In a hypercompetitive environment, it is crucial to highlight that failure is also part and parcel of academic success. The broader aim is to balance the record, provide some perspective and encourage colleagues and aspiring scientists to keep trying in the face of recurring rejections and disappointments.

Everyone experiences failure in some shape or form, in various contexts, and throughout their lives. In our over competitive world, with its focus on image and success, failure is often viewed as something negative, something to be ashamed of, something that needs to be hidden or ignored. However, we also find that failure often leads to unexpected discoveries, and sparks conversations that inspire us to bring about positive changes in our lives, both in personal and professional spheres.

Save the Date! Failing Forward Art Workshop

The Young Academy Groningen is organising a very special event: A FREE creative workshop for academics employed at the University of Groningen, where art, conversation and poetry meet. Sign up and explore the meaning of failure in academic life with us! 

In this session, artist Jobbe Holtes will guide conversations about ‘failing forward’, which will be summarised/expressed in an artwork. This artwork will be accompanied by a poem to be written by our poet-in-residence, and these will be presented to the UG.

Date: May 22nd

Location: de Huiskamer at the Suikerunie area

Lunch and snacks will be provided (free of charge), You can find a description of the workshop in the flyer below.

We have room for about 20 academic staff from the UG in this workshop. All academic staff at the UG are encouraged to apply. We aim for a balanced group across disciplines and seniority. 

For more information, you can contact dr. Muirne Paap through failingforward rug.nl.

The deadline for signing up is Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at 1pm.

We hope to see you there!