The Stories Behind (the) Research – Ep. 2. From Skepticism to Action: Embracing a culture of humility in research

From The Embassy of Good Science

The Stories Behind (the) Research – Ep. 2. From Skepticism to Action: Embracing a culture of humility in research

Instructions for:ParticipantTrainer
Related Initiative
Goal

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Reflect on the role of skepticism in research.
  • Explore the relationship between uncertainty and scientific inquiry.
  • Recognise the value of intellectual humility.
  • Consider what motivates them in their own work and learning.
Duration (hours)
0.5

What is this about?

What can skepticism teach us about doing better research?

In this episode of The Stories Behind (the) Research, host Giulia Inguaggiato speaks with Joeri Tijdink, Associate Professor at Amsterdam UMC and clinical psychiatrist, about the role of skepticism, humility, and self-reflection in academia.

Joeri shares his unexpected path into research, one that began with deep skepticism about scientific certainty. Reflecting on a pivotal moment early in his career, he describes how questioning research ultimately led him to “put his hands in the dough” and engage with it from within. What followed was a journey from doubt to action, and from criticism to a more nuanced and constructive form of skepticism.

Together, they explore the tension between the inherently uncertain nature of research and the pressure to communicate certainty, the importance of community and openness in academia, and why embracing doubt can ultimately strengthen both researchers and research itself.
1
Listen

Listen to the podcast.

While listening, consider:

2
Flashcards

Flashcards activity.

Flashcard_Stories Eps2

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Reflection

Use the instructions below to reflect on your own experience

Reflection_Stories Eps2

Remarks

About the Guest

Joeri Tijdink is a clinical psychiatrist and Associate Professor at Amsterdam UMC. As a researcher, he works at the intersection of research integrity, open science, reproducibility, research culture, and the mental health of academics.

He is driven by a genuine belief that academia can be a better place, one where researchers are happier, more honest about their work, have more fun, and feel truly inspired by what they do.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeritijdink

Credits

  • Host: Giulia Inguaggiato
  • Guest: Joeri Tijdink
  • Music: “Patchwork: Island 5&6” — Ileana Termini & Otilka Quartet, by Lisa Weyrauther (courtesy of the artists) IleanaTerimini - Otilka - Lisa Weyrauther - Nexus
  • Audio Editing: Voicebooking.com
  • Production Support: Sasha Baker, Jusry Eshun
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