Researchers today increasingly work in contexts shaped by societal tensions, multiple perspectives and complex public questions. The Dialogue Incubator supports researchers in developing the skills, methods and confidence to work constructively in these spaces. 

Rather than a traditional training course, the programme offers a hands-on learning environment in which participants experiment with dialogue as part of their own research practice. Together with a small team, participants design, test and implement a dialogue intervention connected to their research or departmental research agenda. 

Timeline: September 2026 – June 2027  
Number of participants: 10 teams  
Team size: 2–3 participants per team  
Language: English (with room for experimentation and materials in Dutch)  
Participation: free of charge  
Seed funding: up to €2,500 per project  

Who can apply? 

The programme is intended for assistant professors (UDs) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Participants apply together with a small research team consisting of 2–3 people, for example: a PhD candidate, a postdoctoral researcher, a communication professional, and a societal or practice partner. No prior experience with dialogue is required. We are looking for researchers who are curious to experiment, reflect and learn together. 

What kind of projects fit the programme? 

The Dialogue Incubator focuses on dialogue interventions connected to research practice. Examples may include: designing a dialogue with societal stakeholders around an ongoing research project, experimenting with participatory or community-engaged research approaches, facilitating conversations around contested or complex societal themes, or strengthening dialogue within interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Apply 

Interested in joining the programme? Send an email to programme coordinator Sem Barendse. Questions about the programme or interested in collaboration are also welcome.