In Dutch

Why hiking?

Slow Science Hikes offers academics a relaxed setting in which to meet peers at different stages of their careers (from PhDs to professors) and active in a wide variety of disciplines. The informal walks encourage a form of open communication in which silences are not accompanied by embarrassment and there is opportunity for in-depth interdisciplinary conversations – without the pressure to generate immediate output.  

Walking in nature has also been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Not only does it improve physical stamina but it also reduces stress, lightens moods, and stimulates cognitive functions, all of which are beneficial for the creative process underpinning quality research.

The Young Academy hopes that these hikes will become a creative laboratory for “slow science”, in which ideas percolate for interdisciplinary partnerships and academics can slow down and create space for themselves for reflection, creativity and innovation. The Young Academy also intends this project to communicate to administrators the importance of allowing leeway in their organisations for slow science.

Serendipity

One of the valuable aspects of these hikes is serendipity. Not knowing in advance who your hiking partners will be or what topics you will be discussing can lead to unexpected connections and spark unanticipated insights. Innovative partnerships and new directions for research may result, contributing to diversity in scholarly and scientific exploration. 

Ecological dimension

Slow Science Hikes also have an ecological dimension. By spending time in nature, we increase the participants’ awareness of the eco-crisis the world is facing, one in which there is an active role for science. The Young Academy hopes that the hikes will encourage researchers to think more about the relationship between their own discipline and this ecological crisis and foster interdisciplinary partnerships on this topic.

Practical information

Who is it for?

All academic staff employed at universities in the Netherlands are welcome to join these hikes. International academics are particularly welcome, as this is an ideal opportunity to get to know the Netherlands better and build a broader social network.

Where?

The hikes will take place in nature areas close to university locations. The routes are between 10 and 20 kilometres. There will be suitable restaurants or cafes along the route where participants can stop for lunch (at their own expense). All hikes will start and end at an NS railway station. 

When?

The hikes will take place on the last Friday of uneven months (with the exception of July). We have deliberately scheduled them during the working week and not at the weekend. 

The first Slow Science Hike will take place on Friday 27 September near Radboud University Nijmegen. You can sign up for the hike here: 

 Sign up 

The next hikes are scheduled as follows: 
-    Friday 29 November – vicinity of Maastricht (NS Walk - Pietersberg)
-    Friday 31 January – vicinity of Utrecht 
-    Friday 28 March – vicinity of Eindhoven 
-    Friday May 30 – vicinity of Wageningen

Updates

If you’d like to receive updates on the dates and locations of upcoming hikes, complete the registration form and tick the “register for mailing list” option.