In this first episode of our podcast series, we will explore the concept of societal outreach: we will define societal outreach, starting from a broad perspective, hear what it means to some of our department's researchers, and tell you how, as Team Societal Outreach, we plan to equip our department members with the necessary tools and skills to effectively engage with different categories of stakeholders.

Societal What?

In the second episode of our podcast series, we focus on how, as a researcher, you can best communicate your research results with a broader public. We show you that by sharing your results with the media, be it traditional media such as TV, radio or newspapers, or social media, you actually take your responsibility of empowering people to take informed health decisions, and that you are thus caring for society. 

We are grateful for all those who shared their experience and knowledge with us in this episode:
- Anneke Vandendriessche, doctoral student from the health promotion unit
- Pieter Vynckier, doctoral student from the epidemiology and prevention unit
- Els De Waegeneer, postdoctoral researcher from the occupational medicine unit
- Nele Pauwels, information specialist from the Knowledge Center for Health Ghent (www.kcgg.ugent.be)
- Toon Verlinden, The Floor is Yours (www.thefloorisyours.be)

Special thanks also to Yves De Mol from Ghent University’s multimedia team for his technical support (and endless patience!) when recording the interviews.

Music: Podington Bear (freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear)

Sharing Is Caring

In this third episode, we specifically focus on the relationship between scientists and policy makers. We answer the questions how you can, as a researcher, influence political decision making, but also, how your research can be influenced by what is high on the political agenda.

We are grateful for all those who shared their experience and knowledge with us in this episode:
- Emilie Peeters, coordinator of ANSER, the Academic Network on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights Policy, at ICRH
- Tom Goffin, assistant professor in Health Law
- Caroline Verdonck, PhD student from the Health Economics and Management unit

Special thanks also to Yves De Mol from Ghent University’s multimedia team for his technical support with the recording of the interviews.

Music: Podington Bear (freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear)

Where Science Meets Politics

This episode is a special summer edition, in which we follow up on the topic of the previous episode, on how to bridge research & policy making, by building on the unique experience of Petra De Sutter, researcher turned high-level politician.

With special thanks to Neal Leemput of the cabinet of Minister De Sutter.

Music: Podington Bear (freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear)

When a researcher turns politician - Summer interview with Petra De Sutter

39, Reach out! is a podcast made by Ghent University’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care (GE39) for the benefit of its researchers, about how we can apply our expertise towards the promotion of a better health for all.