What makes the Straatwijs project different from many other research projects?
Tessa: “Much science communication focuses on explaining facts more effectively. But research shows that facts alone do not persuade people. My work explores new forms of science communication that engage more effectively with different perspectives and emotions. In Straatwijs, our starting point was to listen to what is happening in the community. Residents, researchers and policymakers created art together based on experiences, emotions and stories from the neighbourhood. We also wanted to tell different stories about Nieuw-West. The area is often portrayed negatively in the media, whereas we see enormous energy, creativity and commitment.”
Geertje: “Many research projects begin with a predefined problem. We started with what residents themselves considered important. This approach fits with my search for creative ways to engage in dialogue with people for whom research could be valuable. During my studies, I often felt that this perspective was missing.
"Through street interviews, three key themes emerged: housing insecurity, financial insecurity and youth wellbeing. We expected concerns about youth safety to be at the forefront, but residents pointed to something else: there are too few places where people can gather. Benches are disappearing, community spaces are closing, and young people often feel unwelcome in their own neighbourhood.”
What does this form of science communication achieve?
Geertje: “Art creates a more equal footing for conversation. As soon as people start drawing together, making posters or performing theatre, the traditional roles of researcher, policymaker and resident begin to fade. It becomes easier to talk about feelings and emotions without words and rational arguments dominating the conversation. As a result, discussions become much more open.”
Tessa: “People share stories that would otherwise remain hidden. One resident told us that, as a child, he thought the ‘letters from the King’ that arrived on the doormat were something special, when in fact they were letters from debt collectors. His story was transformed into a poster. That kind of story resonates far more deeply than statistics or reports.”
How does Straatwijs contribute to knowledge valorisation and societal impact?
Tessa: “We wanted to give something back to this neighbourhood – where I also live – by supporting the activities of our community partners in Nieuw-West. Together, we developed posters, street theatre performances and films that our partners can continue to use after the project ends, for example at festivals and film screenings across different locations. In this way, we help increase both their visibility and their impact.”
Geertje: “Societal impact does not happen because researchers briefly arrive in a neighbourhood and then leave again. That is why we work with existing initiatives such as Stadsreporters and Street Art Museum Amsterdam, organisations that will remain active in the area long after the project has ended. That makes the impact sustainable.
"We also believe it is important that collaboration is genuinely equitable. Residents invest their time and knowledge, and therefore receive financial compensation.
"One of the key outcomes of Straatwijs is a series of films produced by Stadsreporters on housing insecurity, financial insecurity and youth wellbeing. These films bring together the voices of residents, researchers and professionals. Imagine if policymakers at the Stopera were to watch these films and gain a deeper understanding of the painful experiences and emotions behind these issues.
"We also plan to screen the documentary by Luca Lange, who has followed the project from the very beginning with support from the VU IXA-GO Impact Fund, at Griffioen. In doing so, we hope to inspire other researchers to explore different ways of collaborating and conducting research.”
Tessa: “One particularly powerful session involved young people explaining that they are often viewed as a nuisance, while what they really need is a place where they feel welcome. Through theatre, they showed what it feels like to be pushed out of public spaces. It made a profound impression on everyone involved.”
What does this approach require from you as researchers?
Geertje: “Humility. As a researcher, your instinct is often to come up with solutions yourself. Residents have been involved in participation projects for years and are frequently disappointed by the limited outcomes of so many short-term initiatives.
"At the same time, we saw how much strength and organisational capacity already exists within the community. One example is a group of women who have been campaigning against mould-infested housing for years. Experiences like these show that researchers are not the ones bringing solutions; rather, they need to connect with and support what is already happening.”
Tessa: “Time. You build relationships, contribute to local initiatives and organise activities together. Within VU Amsterdam, there is growing recognition of societal impact through programmes such as Recognition and Rewards. That is important, because building relationships and creating impact takes a great deal of time and often happens alongside teaching, research and publishing.
"For us, maintaining a strong connection with society is essential. You can see that reflected in the outcomes: residents who were initially sceptical about researchers and policymakers nevertheless entered into dialogue with them. Equally, researchers and policymakers experienced first-hand how valuable engagement with the community can be.”
What makes you free thinkers?
Tessa: “I am curious about people who think differently from me. That is precisely where I learn the most. In my work, I try not to judge immediately, but to understand why someone feels or believes something. That makes conversations more human, more insightful and more likely to open doors to change.”
Geertje: “Independent thinking begins with letting go of the idea that science has all the answers. Residents possess knowledge too, rooted in their experiences, everyday realities and personal stories. By remaining open to those perspectives, we create space for genuine dialogue and new insights. That is what we do with Straatwijs every single day.”
Would you like to know more about Straatwijs? Geertje Tijsma and Tessa Roedema would be delighted to tell you more.
VU Amsterdam seeks and nurtures societal dialogue, is a leader in research, and educates global citizens who contribute to a better world in both word and deed. This is our vision for 2035. Have a look at the strategic plan 2026–2030 here.
