This year’s AI&I PhD Retreat transformed Zeist into a vibrant stage where science and cinema converged. Under the theme Lights, Research, Action! – Science in Movies, PhD candidates gathered for two days of research, creativity, and fresh perspectives on scientific storytelling.

The program featured a diverse lineup of speakers, each offering unique insights into science and communication. Dr. Bijoy Bera (Delft University of Technology) opened the retreat with a keynote inspired by cinematic science, drawing on Interstellar to show how immersive tools like virtual reality can bring complex concepts such as black holes and spacetime to life. Science communication expert Laura Durnford (ESCI) followed with a hands-on session on communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Day two began with Dr. Jeffrey Bajramovic (3R Centre), who discussed alternatives to animal experimentation and responsible research practices, highlighting innovation in biomedical science. Dr. Jeroen Claus (Phospho Biomedical Animation) demonstrated how animation and visual storytelling can make scientific concepts accessible and engaging. The retreat concluded with Dutch science journalist Adriaan ter Braack (Sjamadriaan), who offered a sharp and thought-provoking perspective on the role of scientists in public discourse.

PhD candidates were at the heart of the retreat, presenting their work through oral and poster sessions that sparked lively discussions and new collaborations.

A defining feature of this year’s retreat was its strong emphasis on creativity and hands-on exploration. Participants could choose from a variety of workshops:

  • Baking Bad: Experimenting in the kitchen, participants designed their own “edible experiment” without a recipe, mirroring the scientific process of intuition and trial-and-error.
  • Honey, I Shrunk My Project: Turning research into short stop-motion films, participants explored the power of storytelling and simplification.
  • Fantastic Mugs and Where to Find Them: Painting mugs inspired by research or cinematic themes, participants delved into visual storytelling through design.
  • Snap Me If You Can: Learning the basics of photography, participants experimented with composition, light, and perspective.
  • Innovative Thesis Printing – The Good, the Bad, and the Formatting: Led by Ridderprint, this workshop provided guidance on transforming a thesis into a visually compelling final product.

Adding to the excitement, the Crazy 88: Zeist Cinematic Universe challenge sent teams on a fast-paced photo and video quest through Zeist, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding contributions across presentations and activities.

This year’s retreat showcased how viewing science through different lenses, especially those inspired by film and storytelling, can open up new ways of thinking, communicating, and collaborating.

Special thanks to our partners: Miltenyi Biotec, Ridderprint, and Stichting Proefdiervrij for their generous support.

Interested in contributing next year?
Whether you have ideas or would like to join the organizing committee, reach out via aii@amsterdamumc.nl.

Organized by the AI&I PhD Retreat Committee:
Nia Hudson, Amber Schotting, Arbaaz Sait, Gabriela Golda, Joep Korsten, Lisa Kalisvaart, Merve Koçyigit & Valentijn Tromp