On Thursday 3 July, the final meeting of the Thesis Workshop took place at BLOCK33 in Moerwijk. Students from Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam shared their research with residents, professionals and policymakers from the neighbourhood.
No long presentations but real conversations at the table. Visitors chose which students they wanted to sit down with. Topics ranged from youth participation and placemaking to financial health, language and care and the influence of work on well-being.
De middag liet zien hoe onderzoek direct kan aansluiten bij het dagelijks leven in Den Haag Zuidwest. Studenten kregen waardevolle feedback en bezoekers deden nieuwe ideeën en inzichten op. We blikken terug op een inspirerende bijeenkomst vol kennis, ontmoeting en betrokkenheid in het Haagse Moerwijk.
I liked that I could just sit down and tell my story. It didn't feel like “participating in research”, but really having a chat. I could ask all my questions straight away." - Resident from The Hague Southwest
Creative communication
During the closing session, all students presented their research results through a self-made communication product. In doing so, they brought their research to life in an accessible and visual way for residents, policymakers and other attendees.
The products ranged from clearly designed posters and flyers to interactive games and visual overviews. Each communication product was tailored to the topic and audience, and helped students share their story in a personal and appealing way.
We have been working on strengthening residents' initiatives for some time. It's refreshing to hear students taking a fresh look at that." - Policy foreman Municipality of The Hague
A striking example was Chaya Berger's memory game. She conducted research on digital participation tools and designed a memory game in which each set of cards represented part of her research. With each match, Chaya told the corresponding insight from her research. In this way, she made a complex subject discussable in an approachable yet original way - and managed to grab the attention of everyone at her table.
De communicatieproducten speelden een belangrijke rol in de gesprekken: ze nodigden uit tot vragen, herkenning en verdieping – precies waar de slotbijeenkomst om draait.
' The best thing about writing my thesis at the thesis workshop is that I was constantly reminded of who I am doing it for.'' - Leiden University student
Would you like to be there next time and engage in conversation with ambitious and inspired graduates? You are most welcome. You will find the announcement next year on the Thesis Workshop The Hague Southwest website (see below). Thanks to everyone who attended and made it possible to bring research and practice so close together. Special thanks to Mayura Thawornpradit for the delicious catering!
