Psychologist Rolf Zwaan about the quantity and quality of academic research during corona
Scientists are publishing like mad, especially during this corona crisis. But does this make us any smarter? According to Professor of Psychology Rolf Zwaan, a culture has emerged in which results are exaggerated and shortcomings are glossed over. “We all need to take a step back.”
Sociologist Godfried Engbersen about the social impact of Covid-19
The corona crisis is causing fear and insecurity among the Dutch population. This is evident from a large-scale survey among 6,600 Dutch people. Research leader Godfried Engbersen: “The lack of perspective is starting to destroy people.”
Sociologist Iliass El Hadioui about the underlying problem of pupils falling behind due to Covid-19
Sociologist of education Iliass El Hadioui believes that pupils who have fallen behind in their studies due to the coronavirus crisis will be able to catch up again. “The underlying question is a lot more relevant: why do these pupils lag behind their peers in the first place?”
Dating expert Elisabeth Timmermans about dating behaviour in lockdown
What is love in the time of corona? Have we stopped swiping or are we sending more nudes now? Elisabeth Timmermans is currently researching dating behaviour during corona.
Historian Kees Ribbens about living and commemorating history
Will the coronavirus go down as one of the turning points in history? Kees Ribbens, Professor of Popular Historical Culture and War, doubts this.
Thea Hilhorst argues in favour of harnessing the corona crisis as a wake-up call: the pandemic is exposing all kinds of inequalities.
What will happen when the coronavirus gains a foothold in Africa? Do low-income countries even stand a chance? And what will the consequences be in terms of global inequality? Thea Hilhorst has been researching the impact of disasters on vulnerable regions for thirty years.
Historian Gijsbert Oonk about the rhetoric surrounding national borders during the pandemic
Gijsbert Oonk, endowed professor Europe in a Globalizing World, is fascinated by the rhetoric surrounding national borders during the present corona crisis. At the same time, the pandemic shows just how small and interwoven our world actually is. “This crisis shows that we have a lot more in common than we tend to assume.”
Philosopher Marli Huijer discusses solidarity and the importance of asking uncomfortable questions in these times
According to philosopher Marli Huijer, the meaning of life is feeling connected to others. So all the sacrifices being made during this crisis are great, but as a society, we shouldn’t lose sight of the bigger picture. “We should be mindful of our quality of death, just like we are mindful of our quality of life.”
Professor of Public Administration Laura den Dulk about working from home
Professor of Public Administration Laura den Dulk is an expert on fexible work and work-life balance. In Erasmus TV, she discusses the pitfalls of working from home for a longer period.
Sociologist of work Fabian Dekker on the shortcomings of the current job market and the future of the way we work
Sociologist of work Fabian Dekker has noticed that the labour market is increasingly divided. Even so, the crisis might have a lasting positive impact on the way in which we view certain jobs, working from home and work hours.
What your response to the corona crisis says about you
How to respond to an unprecedented global epidemic? The corona crisis brings to light how we react when the world starts burning. Did you self-quarantine weeks ago or do you shrug your shoulders and refuse to skip your movie nights with friends? Based on her own model, psychologist Zhiqi Xu explains that in facing this crisis, there are four types of people. Which one are you?
Economist Frank van Oort discusses the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic
What happens to the economy when public life grinds to a complete halt? Will the Netherlands experience a terrible recession due to the COVID-19 outbreak? Frank van Oort, a Full Professor of Urban and Regional Economics: “I’m shocked at how vulnerable we are.”
Cell biologist Frank Grosveld and his colleagues think that an antibody against SARS will also work against the coronavirus
Believe it or not, it was already there on the tenth floor of Erasmus MC: the antibody that is able to block an infection of SARS1 and SARS2. In other words, a first-ever antibody to the coronavirus. Professor of cell biology Frank Grosveld (71) keeps his cool: “I am too old to jump on a table.”
Virologist Marion Koopmans on the outbreak and control of the coronavirus, and the risks to the Netherlands
Professor of Virology Marion Koopmans is currently researching the novel coronavirus outbreak – as well as our options to control it. “During the SARS outbreak, we were still working with a ten-year plan. Now we should be able to produce a working vaccine within four to five months.” We interviewed her in the beginning of February, before the current pandemic started.
Marion Koopmans in Studio Erasmus on the coronavirus
Just before the first infection in the Netherlands, virologist Marion Koopmans was one of the guests in academic talk show Studio Erasmus. She explained what happens when someone is diagnosed with the virus.
