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EDITORIAL

In a turbulent world, the spoonbill shuttles between the West African coast and our Wadden Sea. This beautiful, goofy creature circumvents problems, defies dangers, and apparently knows well how to cope with change. We could learn a lot from this bird, as we, too, are facing unexpected and big changes.

All of a sudden, 1984, George Orwell’s famous 1949 dystopian novel, seems more real than ever. Here’s what he once wrote: ‘The past was erased, the erasure was forgotten, the lie became the truth.’ Let us start by trying not to forget and be happy, for example, with the book that was recently published by two alumni about Anda Kerkhoven—the heroic medical student who was shot by the occupying forces in March of 1945 [sic!] because of her resistance work.

A lot is changing in academia at the moment – and not for the better – especially in the United States. In her column entitled ‘Standing firm for our academic freedom’, Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen expresses her concerns. She wants to continue working towards a flexible university.

In this Spring issue of Broerstraat 5, you will once again read about all kinds of Groningen research that can help the world take a small step forward. Such as the multi-faceted brain research carried out by Iris Sommer, who urges readers to take good care of their vulnerable and much misunderstood brain. Philosopher Daphne Brandenburg looks for ways to strengthen our lack of autonomy, so that it becomes easier to do the right and sensible thing. Furthermore, there are new technological solutions for sustainability problems; in this case the recycling of tricky fabrics like rubber and bullet-proof vests.

And while in the US diversity, equality, and inclusion are currently declared unwanted concepts, in our country researcher Hannah Dugdale received an NWO Athena Award for her commitment in word and deed to precisely those values.

Also enjoy the life stories, books, films and music of fellow alumni in this issue, and take to heart this un-Orwellian quote from the great visionary: ‘The pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.’

Enjoy spring!

CONTENT

In a turbulent world, the spoonbill shuttles between the West African coast and our Wadden Sea. This beautiful, goofy creature circumvents problems, defies dangers, and apparently knows well how to cope with change. We could learn a lot from this bird, as we, too, are facing unexpected and big changes.

All of a sudden, 1984, George Orwell’s famous 1949 dystopian novel, seems more real than ever. Here’s what he once wrote: ‘The past was erased, the erasure was forgotten, the lie became the truth.’ Let us start by trying not to forget and be happy, for example, with the book that was recently published by two alumni about Anda Kerkhoven—the heroic medical student who was shot by the occupying forces in March of 1945 [sic!] because of her resistance work.

A lot is changing in academia at the moment – and not for the better – especially in the United States. In her column entitled ‘Standing firm for our academic freedom’, Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen expresses her concerns. She wants to continue working towards a flexible university.

In this Spring issue of Broerstraat 5, you will once again read about all kinds of Groningen research that can help the world take a small step forward. Such as the multi-faceted brain research carried out by Iris Sommer, who urges readers to take good care of their vulnerable and much misunderstood brain. Philosopher Daphne Brandenburg looks for ways to strengthen our lack of autonomy, so that it becomes easier to do the right and sensible thing. Furthermore, there are new technological solutions for sustainability problems; in this case the recycling of tricky fabrics like rubber and bullet-proof vests.

And while in the US diversity, equality, and inclusion are currently declared unwanted concepts, in our country researcher Hannah Dugdale received an NWO Athena Award for her commitment in word and deed to precisely those values.

Also enjoy the life stories, books, films and music of fellow alumni in this issue, and take to heart this un-Orwellian quote from the great visionary: ‘The pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.’

Enjoy spring!

EDITORIAL