Oguz Ozkan, alumnus MA European Studies on Society and Technology

Could you tell more about which minor/internship/exchange/field study you did? Also include where and why you choose to do that. Or could you tell more about your favourite course?

The master’s programme operates through a network of European universities, each with a distinct specialisation within Science and Technology Studies (STS). I chose Maastricht deliberately because of its focus on the connection between science and public policy. That alignment seemed natural for my career trajectory.

This specialisation introduced me to Prof. Marjolein van Asselt, my thesis supervisor, who at the time headed the Dutch Safety Board alongside her university duties. Her dual role, bridging academic research and active policy-making, supported my thesis in ways that I could not have gained from traditional supervision alone.

Looking back, what are the things you learned during your studies that truly help you in your current career/experiences/personal life? 
One highlight was learning about the ‘social contract for science’: a theoretical deliberation on how modern society privileges science through funding and authority, and what it expects in return. I learned how this relationship is embedded in the architecture of European research funding programmes such as Horizon Europe.

The topic itself may offer insights into funding flows in science, but more importantly, I now actively apply this framework in my work. In my collaboration with research practitioners, I use it to guide new initiatives in designing their impact strategies – that is, how they can demonstrate the ways in which their work addresses societal needs. This not only strengthens the funding prospects of an application but also ensures that the research is more likely to deliver genuine societal impact.

Could you tell us more about your current career?
Soon after leaving Maastricht, I spent three years working on a research project at the Technical University of Munich, before moving into funding advisory roles and eventually relocating to Strasbourg to join the European Science Foundation. At ESF, I lead a group focused on supporting research and innovation organisations and initiatives, primarily in their transdisciplinary work. We bridge academic researchers with non-academic stakeholders so that research is embedded in real societal needs and its uptake is more robust. In doing so, we help strengthen the social contract for science.

My career goal is to expand these capabilities and networks to offer similar services on a European scale and beyond (or grow my own vineyard!).

What is your fondest memory from your time here in Maastricht as a student at FASoS?
A memorable moment was visiting a medical research lab working on cancer research and spending a full day in conversation with people at every level – from student assistants and PhD researchers to technicians and the lab leader. We discussed many of the concepts from my coursework in a real-world setting with research practitioners. It was a chance to test what we had learned in lectures against actual research practice.

During my studies, I also served as the student representative for my cohort, engaging with the department on matters affecting student life. This was another valuable experience that I am glad to have had.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your time in Maastricht/at FASoS that we have not asked about? 
Connections with my classmates continue, as we live not far from one another, sometimes collaborate on research, and cross paths at events. The faculty created a genuinely collegial environment that did not dissolve after graduation. We are all grateful to Vincent Lagendijk, our programme director, for helping foster that sense of community. This intellectual and personal connection remains one of the programme’s greatest gifts!

Graduation year: 2017