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With students for students, about study and well-being

21 September 2022

At home from your chair listening to what is going on in your study, to what is relevant for you as a student. This is possible with Radio Life Sciences from the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS). The first broadcast was in August 2020, now they are already 15 podcasts further. “The first podcasts were about the components of GSLS,” says Eveline Kallenberg, teacher and educational innovator. “In the coming months five episodes – the well-being series – about student well-being will follow”.

In the podcast broadcasts of Radio Life Sciences teachers, policy makers, profile coordinators, researchers and students spoke. For example, about the work of a principal investigator, the experiences of a first-year epidemiology, the ins and outs of an introduction week and about various profiles, such as the 'communication profile'. But also an interview with youth psychiatrist Prof. Floortje Scheepers about the method of testing. Because with all that pressure to perform: isn't it good to think about a different organization of education? Assessment yes, but without giving ratings?

Fear

In short, a wide range. Now a five-part series on 'mental well-being' is on the shelf for the coming months. Eveline Kallenberg is part of the RLS editorial team, which also includes four students. She explains: “The reason was the alarming report of the Trimbos Institute about the perception among students with regard to mental well-being, stress, social safety net, financial pressure, study pressure and more. It was found that more than 50% of the students suffer from some form of psychological suffering, 12% of which are severe. Anxiety, panic, depression. We had to and we wanted to do something with this.”

Pressure from social media

“There will be a broadcast with Professor of Neuropsychology Erik Scherder, who we also know from television,” Eveline explains. “He explains the physiological processes in our brains for mental complaints. The fourth broadcast will be about diversity and inclusiveness and its influence on our mental well-being. In a next broadcast we will also talk about the social components that can contribute to well-being. Think of the pressure of testing: is there a task for the universities? The pressure from all the social media: by participating on the social media stage every student can compare themselves with another. With those who get great grades, take extra curricula and plan activities abroad. In our broadcasts you will be heard, therefore very much worth listening to. I therefore advise everyone to subscribe to our Radio Life Sciences, you are most welcome!”

All broadcasts so far can be listened to here.