As a researcher I find societal outreach an important and enjoyable part of research work; I like taking part in public debates, organise seminars, share my knowledge outside of academia and connect to the public issues. In this I try to pay special attention to accessibly of the communication methods. For instance, using podcasts and animations that are easy to understand and available for those who do not attend university.
Besides the podcast and explainer video I have been invited twice for a TEDx talk (Leiden and Amsterdam), provided lectures for design and engineering practices (RHDHV, Liljewall Architects, White Architects), and knowledge institutes (CVA, Leuven, TU Delft, Artez, …). You can see an overview of lectures at Education page.
Reviewer at Designs (2020*)
Editor at Tasarım+Kuram Dergisi (Design+Theory Journal (2020*)
As part of the International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Healthcare Services the task force focuses on collecting, developing and sharing knowledge concerning the role of the built environment for HPH.
In the Swedish HPH network (Nätverket Hälsofrämjande hälso- och sjukvård) I am part of the work group that focuses on the role of the built environment for HPH (Hälsofrämjande Fysisk vårdmiljö). There we are currently working on improving the awareness of the role of the built environment for HPH. We do this by clarifying the core ambition and definitions, collecting and curating relevant literature, and searching for good examples to inspire those working with HPH. We also aim to have the physical environment specifically mentioned in the overall strategic goals.
In the Netherlands the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has been working on the development of more sustainable healthcare organisations and also have paid attention to ‘Architecture, Green Deal Healthcare’. They share examples of good healthcare buildings and provide a background report on the topic. I have been involved as an adviser to the workgroup, provided both lectures, resources and feedback on the development of the background report ‘Green Deal Duurzame Zorg; Architectuur en inrichting en de gezonde zorgomgeving’.
This report also had a follow-up in form of a webinar special. (see video).
Besides public communication I also represented architecture PhD students in both the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE), as well as in the PhD student guilt of Chalmers University of Technology (DS). As a PhD student representative at the DS I have been involved in helping PHD to right support, contact with DOMB, highlight local issues (with merge, workload, alignment of courses, introduction PhD students; graphic work: websites; movie about study plan evt.
As a representative at ACE I have had diverse roles over the years, amongst them; writing statutes when departments merged, collection needs for doctoral education, speaking out on research misconduct, organising seminars about ethics, organising social event and a PhD research day.
PhD research has been a day to highlight the abundance of PhD educational work at Architecture and Engineering Department at Chalmers. I have had the initiative to develop this research day, and I have helped the development of the idea into an event. This included co-developing a template for all PhD to work in, communicating the ideas and intentions with the PhD students, and the seniors at the Department, and communicating the event on social media.
Architectural Transformation & Environmental Care Studio at School of Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology, SE
October – Lecture Health Promotive Healthcare Architecture
Healthcare Studio: Future Visions for Healthcare, Housing & Work at School of Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology, SE (Art. Prof. Cristiana Ciara)
9 April 2021 – Designing Spaces for Wellness
Medstartr Healthcare Innovation (Clubhouse Guest)
Copyright 2020 Elke Miedema