The Stories Behind (the) Research, Ep 3. Beyond the Ivory Tower: The courage to feel when researching tough topics
ModulesThe Stories Behind (the) Research, Ep 3. Beyond the Ivory Tower: The courage to feel when researching tough topics
By the end of this module learners will be able to:
- Reflect on the role of emotions and embodiment in research practice
- Recognize moments of vulnerability, healing, and community as part of the research journey
- Developing personal tools for navigating difficult conversations
What is this about?
What happens when researchers allow their personal experiences to become part of their academic journey?
In this episode of The Stories Behind the Research, host Giulia Inguaggiato speaks with Durwin Lynch, educator and transdisciplinary researcher at the Athena Institute - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, about the relationship between authenticity, healing, and meaningful research.
Durwin shares how his personal background in Suriname and Curaçao, together with his interest in traditional healing and postcolonial communities, gradually shaped his research trajectory. Reflecting on a pivotal period in his career, he describes what it meant to step outside the academic “ivory tower” and engage more deeply with the communities whose experiences he seeks to understand.
Together, they explore the emotional dimensions of research, the importance of listening before claiming expertise, and the role of courage, vulnerability, and community in navigating difficult conversations. They also discuss how reconnecting with the body, emotions, and personal experience can help researchers develop more meaningful and socially engaged forms of inquiry.Listen
Listen to the following podcast.
Reflect
After listening to the podcast, reflect on the following questions:
- Durwin shares his experience of vulnerability and dealing with difficult emotions while engaging in his research. Have you encountered similar moments in your own research, studies, or professional experiences?
- How can you stay true to yourself while engaging in research, especially when working on emotionally challenging topics?
- What strategies can help you recognize, process, and care for the emotions that emerge during research while maintaining meaningful engagement?
Remarks
About the Guest
Durwin Lynch is an educator and transdisciplinary researcher at the Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, currently focusing on meaningfully engaging postcolonial communities in achieving more inclusive and socially just societies.
His work explores healing, dialogue, community engagement, and social transformation, with a particular focus on how societies can address the afterlives of colonialism and create more equitable futures.
LinkedIn: Durwin Lynch
You can find out more about the The Keti Koti Table here:
Also find out more about Durwin’s research: Re/Presenting Europe: Healing the Afterlives of Colonialism - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Credits
Host: Giulia Inguaggiato
Guest: Durwin Lynch
Music: “Patchwork: Island 5&6” — Ileana Termini & Otilka Quartet, by Lisa Weyrauther and “Cosequencias: No.1 del amor” — Ileana Termini & Otilka Quartet, by Giullermo Lago (courtesy of the artists) Ileana Termini - Classical Saxophonist,,Otilka , Lisa Weyrauther , Composer, Film Composer, Pianist , Guillermo Lago , Nexus
Audio Editing: Voicebooking.com
Production Support: Sasha Baker, Jusry Eshun
