The University of Twente (UT) is a young, entrepreneurial university. In both educational and research programmes its motto ‘high tech human touch’ is reflected. The MESA+ institute for nanotechnology is one of the research institutes striving for interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting technology to societal relevance. At the DesignLab, researchers and students from all fields collaborate with companies and governments on societal design challenges, in co-creation processes, and inspired by novel scientific insights. At the department of Communication Science academic expertise on the topics of science communication, engagement and co-creation is used to understand and foster the science-society relationship.
Dr. Anne M. Dijkstra (female, PhD UT) is an assistant professor in Science and Risk Communication. She studies the changing relationship between science, technology and society from a communication perspective and applies both qualitative and quantitative research methods. She is an experienced focus group moderator. Her research focuses on engagement, science communication and risk governance regarding emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and human enhancement.
Sikke Jansma (male, MSc), is a lecturer and PhD-student. He studies the legitimation of technological innovations in the public sphere, focusing on how to communicate to and engage with both the government and the general public. He coordinates and lectures in the course ‘Facilitating Technological Change’, in which students write a communication plan for stakeholders to advance the development and implementation of technological innovations.
Anne will coordinate the tasks for GoNano at the UT. Sikke will execute these. Tasks include interviews with stakeholders, organizing a citizen consultation meeting and stakeholder co-creation workshops.