Theme: Thriving through Turmoil

Nestled between the oldest urban centers and loops of pretty tree-lined canals, Utrecht is home to one of the top university in the Netherlands, known for its vibrant, diverse community that is renowned for its research, entrepreneurship, and social activism. TEDxUtrechtUniversity is a TED-based nonprofit that seeks to capture the spirit of Utrecht University by gathering visionary thinkers and leaders from the community to spark new ideas, insights, and opportunities. TEDxUtrechtUniversity hopes to engage its eclectic audience by featuring unique talks that are intellectually bold, passionate, and unafraid to question and redefine the status quo. Join us on 25th June 2021 as we explore the remarkable human ability to inspire as they share their ideas through this year’s theme, ‘Thriving through Turmoil.’

Virtual Event
YouTube Premiere
Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 ED
Netherlands

Francesca Bas

Student of Psychology and Sociology

“You are not your disorder", the five words that forever changed Francesca’s life. Eating disorders are the most lethal mental illness yet, so misunderstood. How does one heal long term? It all starts with distinguishing yourself from the disorder, discovering your desire for recovery and working through triggers. One trigger which consistently arose for Francesca was her physical appearance. When Francesca found “full body love” this changed. In her talk, Francesca Bas will share her story with “ED” (Eating disorder) and bring forth a new way to embrace our bodies. Francesca Bas is a second-year student at University College Utrecht, studying Psychology and Sociology. She originally comes from Bologna, Italy but grew up in Portland Oregon, U.S. Francesca is working towards her goal of being a therapist specialised in eating disorders.

Martijn Huysmans

Assistant Professor at Utrecht University School of Economics

Do you know the difference between Feta and white salad cheese? Chances are you don’t - but even if you do, can’t we all use some more “cheese, love, and understanding”? Find out more about Europe’s gastronomic heritage, the economics of asymmetric information, and the importance of coming together through the prism of Roquefort and Halloumi in Dr. Martijn Huysmans TEDx talk. Martijn Huysmans is an Assistant Professor at the Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E). He conducts research at the intersection of economics and political science (political economy). He specializes in EU institutional design and the protection and trade of EU regional specialty foods (geographical indications) such as Prosciutto di Parma and Gouda Holland. His love of food, economics and politics all meet in his research and now in this TEDx talk!

Moska Hassanzai

Hospital Pharmacist Resident

It’s not difficult to consider the physical barriers if you had to navigate life in a wheelchair, but have you ever given thought about the mental constraints society sets you up with? It’s not her wheelchair that is limiting, on the contrary, it’s society’s misconceptions and assumptions. In her talk, Moska Hassanzai will challenge societal perceptions and expectations of people with disability. Moska Hassanzai is a Pharmacy graduate from Utrecht University. Having been told she would never get beyond a secondary school diploma, Moska is now a Hospital Pharmacist Resident and a PhD candidate. A nominee of the ECHO award, Moska’s journey challenges societal stereotypes of people with disability.

Niels Kunz

Student of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

Imagine how your education would have been without digital tools during the pandemic. Digitizing education has become a commonplace in recent years, also in the developing world. While in resource-rich environments, implementing digital education projects is comparatively easy, disadvantaged communities face various difficulties, hindering peoples’ access to education. Niels Kunz, a third year student of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and former research fellow at the Center for Adanced Internet Studies, is going to address the challenges of sustainable digital education projects in developing countries. Building upon his research and experiences with implementing digital libraries at secondary schools in Malawi, Niels will explore the avenue towards enduring impact.

Soe Yu Naing

Erasmus Mundus Scholar (Infectious Diseases and One Health)

Think about a time when you faced doubts in your life – doubts about your job, relationship, religion, or even your identity. Doubt is an unavoidable part of life experience. However, having doubts becomes a moral crime in a society where doubt is constructed negatively. From Yangon, Myanmar, to Utrecht, Netherlands, Soe Yu Naing challenges the status quo and explores the joy of doubts through his journey of growing up under the military junta in Myanmar. Soe Yu is an Erasmus Mundus scholar studying Infectious Diseases and One Health and often talks about sex to break the taboo around sexual and reproductive health in Myanmar. Given the current political turmoil in Myanmar, Soe Yu is passionate to share his story and represent the story of many individuals like him back in Myanmar.

Tallie Nikitchyuk

Student of Literature, Linguistics, and Psychology

Why is kindness sometimes the most difficult, yet necessary, choice we must make as humans? After a mass shooting at a primary school in this Tallie’s hometown, random acts of kindness inspired hope amid a period of devastation. However, it shouldn't take a tragedy for us to learn this important lesson. Join Tallie's talk to hear her reflections on why being kind is an action, not a quality, and why we must deliberately practice kindness to heal the divides we see in our communities. Tallie Nikitchyuk is a third-year student at University College Roosevelt studying literature, linguistics, and psychology. She originally comes from Sandy Hook, Connecticut (U.S.A.), and her favorite kind of ice cream is cookie dough. Tallie is passionate about community-based initiatives and making the world a kinder place.