YELS Project Meet-Up: exploring together

On November 5th, we gathered in the beautiful University Library Hall in the city center for the very first YELS Project Meet-Up. It was an afternoon to get to know each other and the research projects of the Youth Education & Life Skills community, as well as to inspire and support each other in our work.

Opening: An Afternoon of Exploration and Connection
The Project Meet-Up kicked off with a warm welcome, setting the stage for a productive and inspiring gathering. A great turnout of participants represented twelve projects. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as each project took its turn introducing itself through short pitches.
There was no strict order—researchers could jump in after a pitch that resonated with them thematically. This spontaneous approach created a sense of connection as people identified the common threads running through their work. It was clear from the beginning that this afternoon was about more than just presenting research—it was about creating a shared dialogue.

A Great Variety of Projects: From Language Development for Ukrainian Refugee Children to Citizenship in a Digitalizing World
The very first pitch caught everyone’s attention right away. Natalia Rekonvalt vividly spoke in Ukrainian, trying to teach us something about a jellyfish (which—despite her enthusiasm—we didn’t quite grasp). This pitch highlighted the power of experiential learning by helping the audience understand how Ukrainian children feel when they first step into Dutch classrooms. The project, led by Natalia and her team, focuses on language development for Ukrainian refugee children.
Following this, the pitches ranged from life skills in Curacao, online and offline interventions to reduce polarization, life skills and financial education in The Gambia, the relationship between history education and belonging in school, the connection between citizenship and digital literacy, equality of opportunity in the Dutch educational system, citizen science in South Africa, improving the international medical elective program, to the dynamics of family life in Islamic families. The pitches showcased a great variety of topics, which was appreciated by all participants.

Lunch: Conversations That Matter
As the pitches wrapped up, the energy continued to flow during lunch. This was the first chance for researchers to engage with each other in a more relaxed setting. There was a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm as people exchanged ideas, questions, and reflections on the themes that had emerged in the pitches. Researchers remarked on how different projects were intertwining in unexpected ways, sparking new insights and directions for their own work.

Round Table: Deep Dives into Research Questions
After lunch, the group split into three parallel sessions. Two groups took a seat around the Round Table. Prior to the event, participants had been asked to bring a key question to the table. This created a dynamic environment where each conversation was grounded in challenges researchers were grappling with in their own work. The discussions ranged from the societal relevance of research to the growing impact of AI on education—topics that felt both timely and urgent.
One striking outcome was the deep, cross-disciplinary discussions that emerged. Researchers working on different target groups—such as the integration of Ukrainian refugees and Islamic education—found common ground in their exploration of cultural integration within Dutch education. Personal stories were shared, which added a layer of richness to the conversation. The discussions didn’t just explore theoretical questions; they grounded themselves in real-life experiences, which seemed to spark new insights and ideas for how to move these projects forward.

Poster Tour: A Chance to Reflect and Connect
The third group took part in a ‘poster tour.’ In this session, researchers had the chance to exchange their thoughts and reflect more deeply on three themes: collaboration with youth and societal partners, collaboration with each other, and the value(s) of their research. This session provided an opportunity for idea-sharing and brainstorming, with a focus on what their YELS projects meant to them and how they could support one another in their research journeys.
In the corner focusing on ‘collaboration with societal partners and youth,’ researchers reflected on a list of societal partners who could support YELS laureates—and vice versa. New organizations were discovered, while other organizations sparked fond memories for several researchers. The idea of sharing this list was met with enthusiasm, and the concept of building a broader network of connections for future collaboration took shape in real time.
In the corner titled ‘the value(s) of your research,’ projects highlighted values such as reciprocity, ‘understanding/comprehending,’ and ‘connection,’ in addition to YELS values like multidisciplinarity. Furthermore, researchers reflected on the purpose of their projects, aiming to go beyond traditional impact measures.

Key Insights: Collaboration, Relevance, and Sustainability
One of the key insights from the day was the importance of collaboration across disciplines. The diverse range of topics presented—from refugee integration to the role of AI in education—revealed how much could be gained by working together and exchanging ideas. Researchers found new ways to think about their projects, and many walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Liesbeth captured this sentiment perfectly when she spoke about the day’s discussions: researchers were deeply engaged in the societal relevance of their work, and the big question was how to connect with a broader audience. How could they make their research matter not just in academic circles, but in the world at large? Another important takeaway was how to maintain the momentum of a project—how to keep a research initiative alive and meaningful over time. The conversations throughout the day seemed to point to a common solution: staying connected, sharing knowledge, and continuously learning from one another.

Wrap-Up: A Lasting Reminder of Growth
As the day drew to a close, each participant was invited to choose a card that resonated with them. On this card, they wrote down one insight or takeaway from the afternoon—something they would carry with them as they continued their research. These cards would be sent back to them some months later, as a thoughtful reminder of how far they’ve come and what they’ve learned. It was a beautiful way to close a day that had been all about growth—both personal and professional.

DoY Meet-Up – Pitch Workshop: Telling Your Story
After the wrap-up, the afternoon continued with the monthly Dynamics of Youth Meet-Up. This time, the DoY Meet-Up started with a pitch workshop led by Els Aarts from the Centre for Science & Culture. Members of other Dynamics of Youth communities also joined, making for a lively and diverse group. The workshop focused on creating a compelling video pitch about one’s research—a chance for each researcher to tell their story in a concise and engaging way.
Els encouraged participants to go beyond the surface level and really think about the structure and content of their pitch. She guided them through a brainstorming session where they considered their target audience and how best to communicate their research to that group. The workshop ended with participants recording their pitches, with several taking advantage of the opportunity to refine their message on camera.
The day ended on a high note, with a networking reception where new connections were made and existing ones were strengthened. It was a fitting conclusion to a day full of insight, collaboration, and reflection.