22 April 2025

On Tuesday 22 April, we again welcomed a crowded theatre at cinema Lumière, this time for The Thinking Game, a documentary on Artificial Intelligence (AI), that explores the potential of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The documentary follows Demis Hassabis, 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry and the founder of DeepMind, a world leading AI lab.

After the documentary, we had a panel discussion with these panellists:

Judith Campagne, PhD candidate in Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Nino Gugushvili, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), UM

Massimiliano Simons, Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Technology at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), UM

Mark Winands, Full Professor in Machine Reasoning at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS), UM

All the panel members were critical of the documentary, which resulted in a lively discussion. The documentary was called an ‘advertisement’ and even ‘propaganda’ for DeepMind, which is part of Alphabet Inc., the mother company of Google. Prof. Winands called some of the content misleading and “typical for AI boys”, because it carefully handled what was and was not told, in order to solely focus on the successes. AlphaFold, for instance, predicts protein structure, which is an important breakthrough, but it does neither solve nor explain anything. In the documentary, Demis Hassabis often said that AI and AGI in particular will ‘solve’ many things, including 'science' and 'intelligence'. Critical comments were made on this, for instance by Dr. Simons: what does it mean to ‘solve’ science? He also critically remarked that the researchers featured in the documentary carefully adjusted their definitions to what the machine is capable of. Other things we discussed was the implicit notion of humans and humankind that the researchers in the documentary take as a starting point. Judith Campagne observed that they start from an individualistic view of humans, and she wondered what the documentary (and the research) would look like if they started from humans situated in a web of relationships, or started from ethics of care. Dr. Gugushvili said that she does not think we are close to a breakthrough of AGI, something the other panellists agreed with. The audience also participated in the discussion. A fun question from the audience was what the panellists did like about the documentary, since they had given so many critical comments.

This was the final MYA x Lumière event of the academic year. In 2025-2026, we will organise four film screenings, followed by a panel discussion.

17 February 2025

On Monday 17 February, we welcomed a crowded theatre at cinema Lumière for the documentary The Faraway, Nearby, which tells the touching story of Joe Weber (1919-2000), a scientist who explored the detection of gravitational waves. It is a fascinating documentary about science and the emotions that guide scientific research.

The discussion was very insightful. Prof. Cyrus Mody (UM) talked about how the documentary nicely illustrates the human character of science. Though there have been many attempts, reaching back centuries, to have machines perform science instead of humans, at the end of the day it is humans who have the desire to know and who confer meaning on the pursuit of knowledge. Which means it must be as messy and wonderful as any other human activity. As the documentary shows, there are good reasons why we want scientists to be so passionate.

Prof. Em. Jo van den Brand (UM and Nikhef) is one of the co-authors of the 2016 paper on the observation of gravitational waves. He shared an interesting anecdote about how Weber’s story made the scientists involved in this observation extra vigilant. The data-analysis capabilities of the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and Virgo detector were tested by secretly adding fake gravitational waves to the measured data. The researchers on the data analysis side were not told about these injections. In 2015, the software picked up a strong signal. After careful checking, nothing was found that could have made the software misbehave, and it was also not an injection. For the first time, a gravitational wave was measured. The Nobel Prize 2017 was awarded to Rainer Weiss, Kip Thorne, and Barry Barish, who led the experiment at LIGO. Weiss and Thorne also feature in the documentary.

Dr. Gideon Koekoek (associate professor at UM) informed us that the Einstein Telescope (ET) can measure many more gravitational waves than current detectors can: a factor of hundred thousand to a million more. In the ET, new information is hidden that LIGO cannot measure, such as the earliest gravitational waves, possibly close to the Big Bang. The ET project also has tremendous opportunities for both education and technology innovation. The required innovation for the ET instrumentation will have an important impact on industry and society.

Dr. Lotte Krabbenborg (associate professor at Radboud University), who studies science-society interactions, elaborated on how scientists and citizens approach matters differently. Scientists often want to explain because they think that more information contributes to more societal acceptance. However, getting more facts and knowledge is often not what citizens want. Why invest in scientific instruments if one can also invest that money in local projects? How do we make this trade-off? These concerns are often expressed by citizens.

Further reading/watching:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryit8gIZnaA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDLZDXCBybY

https://newbooksnetwork.com/the-squares

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1075547015588601

2 December 2024

On the 2nd of December, the evening before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, MYA and Lumière organized another movie night and panel discussion in collaboration with UnliMited. The movie on the menu was ‘A different man’, a surreal psychological thriller exploring several themes regarding disability or living with a condition and identity. The panel consisted of several experts on the topic, namely Dr. Gemma van Ruitenbeek (Director of the Centre of Expertise for Inclusive Organisations at FPN), Jeanette Hadaschik (PhD-candidate at FPN and staff member of UnliMited), Tink Schiffmann (disability studies expert and student member of UnliMited), and Sigrid Péters (UM’s disability officer at the SSC). Thanks to the wonderful panel, we had a rich discussion on several themes surrounding disability, including ableism, inclusive workplaces, how societies can become more inclusive, and working and studying with a condition. The room was filled with an interested audience, making the evening very worthwhile and a great opportunity to put the spotlight on disability and UM’s own network for improving inclusivity regarding disabilities, UnliMited.

7 October 2024

The documentary “Oeconomia” researches the link between money creation, debt, and inequality. It puts the question of how money creation works on the table. And shows in the process that some of the leading economists and financial professionals have difficulty explaining it. In its short introductory comments after the film, the panelists (Anne Kervers, Dr. Christoph Rausch, and Prof. dr. Mark Sanders) agreed that the current system of money creation is problematic, because it is inhibiting our response to the climate crisis, it is inherently unstable, and benefits mostly the wealthiest. A lively exchange with our audience ensued: What alternatives do we have for the current system of money creation? How should we measure growth? Why is money creation such an complex subject? The panelists offered their views which range from using the existing architecture to serve a wider public to demanding a more democratic organization of money creation.

6 May 2024

On Monday evening 6 May 2024, the fourth and final MYA x Lumière movie night of the academic year took place. We screened Eternal You, a documentary about Artificial Intelligence (AI), grief, and the promise of ‘digital immortality’. In the documentary, grieving people ‘talk’ to loved ones who passed away via chatbots created with generative AI (so-called 'thanabots'). Furthermore, the documentary makers follow CEOs of start-ups that try to bring the dead back to life, for instance by creating avatars of the deceased with AI. The movie was followed by an interesting panel discussion led by Dr. Katleen Gabriels (MYA member and Associate Professor of Philosophy). Our guests were Dr. Ellen Dreezens, Psychologist (expert in loss and mourning), artist, and teacher at University College Tilburg, Dr. Kris Goffin, Postdoctoral researcher in philosophy of cognitive science (including AI) at Maastricht University, and Prof. Sally Wyatt, Full Professor of Digital Cultures at Maastricht University.

23 October 2023

In collaboration with IHLIA LGBT Heritage, Vasiliki Belia (PhD candidate)  

A documentary about the history of comics by and about LGBTQ people in the USA. It focuses on the career and lives of five pioneers of queer comics, Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruse, Mary Wings, Rupert Kinnard and Jennifer Camper, and it’s built around interviews with them and shorter vignettes of younger LGBTQ comics artists who reflect on the older artists’ work and the influence it has had on them. The film gives us glimpses of the broader historical context in which these artists came of age and shows the interaction of this context with the work they created, how the comics represented LGBTQ lives and struggles and the role they played in strengthening the LGBTQ community’s resilience and emancipation. 

The film followed a panel discussion with Christin Höne, Assistant Professor in Literary Studies, Sara De Vuyst, Assistant Professor of Contemporary Visual Culture, and Vasiliki Belia, PhD candidate in the project “Redrawing feminism: graphic narrative engagements with the feminist past” and a Q&A session with members of the audience, chaired by Lotte Lemmens, Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology. Some of the themes addressed in this lively conversation were: comics as a space of freedom for artistic experimentation and for self-definition, the connections between the history of comics and that of LGBTQ activism, intergenerational solidarity and the importance of knowing the history of social movements. 

22 May 2023

Panelists:  

• Dr Andreea Nastase, Assistant professor in Public Policy at FASOS 
• Dr Marina Serrat Romani, Assistant professor in the department of tax law at the Faculty of Law 
• Dr Esperanza Buitrago Diaz, Senior researcher at the Maastricht Centre for Taxation.

This documentary on capital flight and tax evasion is a crystal-clear, educational, humorous and shocking plea about the favourite sport of the super-rich. The screening was followed by an interactive panel discussion. Taking the audience’s questions and remarks into consideration the event ended with further exchange and drinks at Lumière’s bar. 

27 February 2023

Panelists: 

• Dr Olga Van Oost, director of FARO and museologist at Vrije Universiteit Brussel 
• MFA Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano, artist, writer, and guest professor at the Royal Academy of Arts at The Hague 
• Dr Louis van den Hengel, Assistant Professor of Gender Studies at UM 
• Prof Dr Emilie Sitzia, Special Chair at the University of Amsterdam (Word and Image) and Associate Professor of Cultural Education at Maastricht University. 

The screening was very well attended and attracted a broad and diverse audience. The film was a thought-provoking documentary following the team of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, reflecting on the struggles of historical and cultural institutions to strive for more diversity. 

After the film, a panel discussion took place. Among other questions, we discussed the notion of 'artistic quality' and whether it is a social and ethical category rather than an aesthetic one, the role of the public in driving this debate, and the idea of meritocracy. The audience also asked several questions, and as always, discussions were further continued at the bar around a drink.  

7 November 2022

Panelists: 

Experts in cultural analysis of science and media, philosophy of technology, digital society and AI. 

• Dr Flora Lysen 
• Dr Philip Nickel 
• Tara Miranovic 
• Prof Mark Winands 

The film is a witty tragicomedy about artificial intelligence, happiness, and relationships. Funny and thought-provoking, the event was well-received, and the night was a success with around 120 tickets sold. The screening was followed by a panel discussion. We addressed questions like what it means to be human, the reciprocity of humans learning from machines and vice versa, whether we are happy when our desires are fulfilled, and how realistic such an AI may be. The discussions continued at the Lumière bar. 

16 May 2022

Panelists: 

• Prof Wiebe Bijker 
• Dr Clemens Driessen 
• Prof Sjaan Nederkoorn 

Progress in science requires funding, and funding always comes with political interests. How to Kill a Cloud is a story about the tension between advancing the real-world impacts of science and the political and ethical challenges posed by trying to get results. Our panel discussion explored questions like power interests and their effects on science funding, the pressure to deliver concrete, positive results vs the objective to create ‘good science’ and more broadly the life and struggles of research life. 

21 February 2022

Panelists: 

• Dr Sarah Stutterheim 
• Dr Inken Gast 
• Monique Lundh 

The movie provided a searing look at the life of a powerful executive’s assistant who grows increasingly aware of the abusive cycle from employers that threatens every aspect of her position. The movie portrayed an example of how a person trying to do the right thing, while also trying to succeed professionally, can become complicit. The panel discussion that followed stressed the importance of healthy relationships between colleagues and managers for one’s well-being. Through audience engagement, it was highlighted that structural support in policy and law and the need for confidential advisors play a pivotal role in achieving well-being in the workplace. 

30 November 2021

Panelists: 

• Lisa Brüggen 
• Dr. Leo Köhler 
• Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibovic 

The documentary provides an insightful and emotive narrative of the experiences of women scientists in their fields of work. The film drew on the experiences of the older generation of women in STEM, who advocated for the equality of representation, pay and working space for women in science, where these factors were better for their male colleagues at the time. Although these measurable aspects have somewhat changed in some contexts, contemporary women in science, and particularly women of colour, are still subjected to hardships - from unwanted sexual attention and harassment to subliminal exclusion and unsolicited critique.  

The screening of the documentary was followed by a panel discussion with Lauren Wagner as the moderator, where the personal experiences of the speakers about the film were shared and ways forward for women in science were discussed. The overarching narrative of the documentary and the panel discussion pointed toward making the sciences increasingly intersectional and equitable for greater inclusion of the next generations of (women) scientists. Food for thought was left with all the attendees of the event.  

Watch a video with insights here.  

1 November 2021

The film showcased the migration story of a fleeing family from Afghanistan. For four years, filmmakers Hassan Fazili and Fatima Hossaini and their two young daughters were living in uncertainty as they tried to get asylum in Europe while documenting their eventful journey with only three smartphones. The documentary gives a first-person viewpoint on the danger, anxiety, and solitude the family experienced during their journey as challenges faced by many in the same difficult circumstances. Yet, it also shows their hope, strength, and ability to remain positive given their situation. The screening was followed by an insightful panel discussion about refugee and asylum conditions and the complicated government actions, institutions, and the pivotal role they play in migration. Taking the audience’s questions and remarks into consideration the event ended with further exchange and drinks at Lumière’s bar. 

Prof Dr Annemie Schols

Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

 27 March 2025

On Thursday 27 March, MYA organised a new GUS event with Prof. Dr. Annemie Schols, Dean of FHML. In front of an audience of students and academic staff, Prof. Schols shared insights from her remarkable career. What made her story particularly inspiring was her pioneering role as a female academic. When she became dean of FHML, she was only the second woman to hold such a position at a Faculty of Medicine in the Netherlands.

 She also spoke about the challenges she faced, including the reactions she encountered when announcing her pregnancy, being told, "your career is over."

 Another important topic she addressed was workplace conflict. Even when disputes are legally resolved, the emotional and social aftermath often lingers. She emphasised the need for universities to acknowledge and address this reality more proactively.

Prof Dr Thomas Cleij

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

 21 November 2024

In November we had the pleasure of hosting the Growing Up in Science event with Professor Dr. Thomas Cleij. We enjoyed an afternoon listening to the “behind-the-scenes” journey of the Dean of FSE. Prof. Dr. Cleij shared captivating stories about his experiences living abroad, his path to becoming the Dean of FSE, and his exciting interests next to academia such as cooking or collecting art. 

We are already looking forward to the next event!

Prof Dr Caroline van Heugten

Professor in Neuropsychology

  26 September 2024

MYA organised its first Growing Up in Science (GUS) event of this academic year in collaboration with UnliMited. On 26 September, Prof. Dr. Caroline van Heugten, Professor in Neuropsychology, talked about her academic career and the challenges that came with it. It is already different to get a tenured position in academia, and to become a full professor, but if there are additional challenges, then many aspects are really not obvious. She sketched that her academic journey had not been a straight path from A to B, illustrating that career planning is in that sense not necessary and sometimes maybe even not helpful. Furthermore, she highlighted what combining positions at multiple faculties can entail. Her talk was very inspiring and insightful; it went deeper into matters that we often are not aware of.