Showcasing Leiden science for one year: Leiden2022 comes to an end

You cannot have failed to notice that Leiden was the European City of Science last year. Under the name of Leiden2022, a 365-day science festival was organized, packed with activities, exhibitions and workshops. The main goal? Connecting science and society.

Heart checks at the station

LUMC organized 27 public activities this year, and contributed to 30 episodes of Radio Weetlust. From an escapegame on cancer and immunology to taking heart scans on the Stationsplein, our staff went out of their way to make their area of expertise as attractive as possible to a wide audience. And with success. The activities attracted a total of over 2,200 visitors.

Connecting with visitors

The reactions show that these insights into the work of our experts were appreciated. For instance, after the 'Behind the scenes at Oncology' activity, researchers from Pathology, Gastroenterology and Cell and Chemical Biology received an e-mail from a participant who was very impressed by their work. "All praise and respect to these passionate people who (with great patience) can make a difference. They bring hope and enlightenment," the participant wrote.

These activities were not only educational for visitors, they also benefited our staff. Marion van der Hoeven, organ donation coordinator, together with colleagues organized 'Giving is living', an evening with lectures and room for dialogue on organ transplantation and donation. Experts told about their work and the impact of the new donor act. Experts by experience also spoke about life before and after transplantation. Afterwards, there was time to engage in conversation together. "It was incredibly valuable for us to hear the audience's input. They bring new perspectives," says Van der Hoeven. 

One more time

Every day this year, there were activities to enjoy. And there will be one more, as a finale. On 22 December, with the day's topic being Future, the Finale Festival will take place at the Stadsgehoorzaal. Everyone, whether you have participated before or not, is welcome. So, mark it in your calendar and register so we can end this festive year together.