Eye to eye with the unforeseen

‘By chance, we live at the edge of a large empty space at the tip of a cosmic string.’ A cosmologist’s view can put things firmly in perspective. Prompted by the coronavirus crisis, this issue of Onderzoek focusses on the impact of unforeseen events on that “chance” life.

But what is science actually doing? And how do researchers respond if they come eye to eye with the unforeseen? Because surely researchers are more aware than most people of the unpredictability of outcomes? And what does society actually expect from science during such a crisis? Is there still room for a thorough discussion and open debate amidst all the chaos?

The editors consciously chose to look beyond the coronavirus. For example, what have we learnt from the credit crisis? What has permanently changed as a result of the attacks on 9/11? And what have we gained from the North Sea flood of 1953?

Learning to deal with the unknown

A crisis like the one we are currently in seems to be a fantastic opportunity for researchers to profile themselves. But can that knowledge be used in practice?

Between applause and catcalls

All of the Netherlands has turned to science for understanding and perspective. Keeping hold of the reins, saying no on time and being able to swallow criticism remain vital skills.

How should we use the knowledge from a crisis?

A large, shocking event can sometimes act as a perfect mirror that exposes a system’s imperfections.

Global crisis: blessing and curse

However miserable it may be, the coronavirus has not just caused problems: it has also created opportunities.

Transcending the opinion factory

During a public crisis, science and politics become strongly interwoven. Four propositions for four researchers who are not scared of letting their voices be heard.