Exhibition 2026 | Honest Conversations with Scientists

Plants are everywhere. They feed us, sustain ecosystems, and shape the world we live in. Yet plant research tends to happen quietly behind laboratory doors, and we, the plant researchers, don’t often share it with the public. Why? Does it have to do with the type of research? With the public’s perception? Or maybe it is more complex? It certainly seems to be. Moreover, the main aim of plant research is to fulfil the goal of generating knowledge.

Can plant research also have other purposes?

Below you can see the same eight posters that you have in front of you, but in the Dutch language. As you read through the exhibition, ponder if you share the same opinions, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts here.

Poster 1

Part 1 - The student perspective

"I think people enjoy themselves more during science communication activities if they are more interactive."

Poster 2

Part 2 - Can we make plant research accessible to all publics?

Kirsten ten Tusscher

"I like to find analogies that connect every-day things to my research to help explain it to different publics"

Poster 3

Part 3 - How can science help people embrace new technologies?

"Sharing what’s possible from a scientific perspective and in turn hearing people’s perspective is part of science’s role in society."

Poster 4

Part 4 - Can plant research have an impact on gender imbalances?

"In reality, the most immediate value of research is often scientific and personal development of the researcher"

Poster 5

Part 5 - Can researchers have an impact on student’s future careers?

"The biggest impact that I have had with my career is the people who I’ve trained"

Poster 6

Part 6 - How do research and industry work together?

"It is important to work with companies to make sure that our knowledge eventually benefits the growers."

Poster 7

Part 7 - Who is responsible for communicating science to the public?

Rashmi Sasidharan

"As scientists, we have a big responsibility to speak out about how important it is to invest in new technologies that make us less reliant on fertilizers and pesticides."

Poster 8

Part 8 - The PhD perspective

Gyöngyi Macías Honti & Julia Mars

"We should not oversimplify our research for the general public. Instead, it is about giving people the tools and the language to think with you"