The Stories Behind (the) Research – Ep. 1: Ciltivating Kindness in Academia
ModulesThe Stories Behind (the) Research – Ep. 1: Ciltivating Kindness in Academia
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Reflect on how personal experiences shape researchers.
- Recognise the importance of speaking up in research environments.
- Explore the role of validation and support in academia.
- Consider how kindness and inclusion contribute to healthier research cultures.
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 do the episode
Audio Activity
Listen to the podcast episode featuring Rose Bernabe.
While listening, consider:
- What experiences shaped Rose’s approach to research?
- What helped her find her voice?
- How did support from others influence her journey?
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 - Athena - Research and Education Institute LinkedIn
You can find out more about the The Keti Koti Table here: De Keti Koti Tafel
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) IleanaTerimini - Otilka - Lisa Weyrauther - Guillermo Lago - Nexus
Audio Editing: Voicebooking.com
Production Support: Sasha Baker, Jusry Eshun
