Theme: Society of the future

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

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Hereplein 73
Groningen, Groningen, 9711gd
Netherlands

Bart Streumer

Professor of Philosophy

Bart Streumer studied philosophy at the University of Groningen and at the University of Reading in the UK, where he obtained his doctorate in 2003 with a thesis entitled 'Reasons, Reasoning, and Free Will'. From 2002 tot 2005 he was a research fellow at the the University of Cambridge. He subsequently taught at the University of Reading for eight years, before returning to Groningen in 2013. His research is mainly in a philosophical field called ‘metaethics': it is about whether moral judgements are beliefs or some other kind of attitude, and about whether there is anything objective about morality. But he is also interested in many other topics in ethics and political philosophy.

Christiaan Maats

Industrial Design Engineer / Entrepreneur

Christiaan Maats was born and raised in Groningen, though he studied Industrial Design Engineering at Technical University in Delft. His keen interest in the psychology behind product- and brand experience took him to Sydney, Australia where he conducted a case study titled “Storytelling through Product Design”. Good product design is good storytelling, according to Christiaan. His creation of the world’s first biodegradable shoes that bloom is a perfect example of his philosophy. Christiaan considers himself a practical idealist. He is driven by his passion for innovation and creating products and brands that inspire a better future by making you smile, think and wonder. His refreshing ideas on sustainable innovation disrupt the status quo. Christiaan's diverse background and enthusiasm are great ingredients for an inspiring TEDx Talk that focuses on the society of the future and how to get there.

Janne Ouwehand

PhD candidate in Conservation Ecology at the University of Groningen

Janne Ouwehand is currently a PhD candidate in Conservation Ecology at the University of Groningen. Janne performed three projects within well-known research institutes to explore various avenues to study behavioral variation in gulls and songbirds, e.g. field experiments, tracking techniques and genetics. A passion for nature, involvement, curiosity, perseverance and an exploring mind underlie her field research to understand how animals can adapt their behavior when environments change.

Michelle Werning

Chairwoman, Hero Construction Company e.V.

Michelle Werning is the chairwoman of the Hero Construction Company e.V, a non-profit organization in Germany. She teaches others to take a stand against injustice when no one else does and encourages everyone to make simple everyday choices that make a valuable difference in the world. As she says: “The definition of what a good person is can and should change as we grow and learn. We gain so much by making a positive difference for those around us. I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire young people to create a kinder world.”

Niels Taatgen

Professor Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Modeling

Niels Taatgen investigates human behavior using computer simulations in order to understand our behavior in certain situations, for example when multitasking. He studied Computer Sciences and Psychology at the University of Groningen and gained his PhD in 1999 with a thesis titled "Learning without limits". He subsequently became a lecturer in the department of Cognitive Sciences, later known as Artificial Intelligence, at the University of Groningen. After a period in which he worked for both the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh (US) and the University of Groningen, he became a professor in Cognitive Modelling at the University of Groningen. He is currently the mastermind of the degree programme Artificial Intelligence.