Jesse: I am a PhD student at Leiden University Medical Centre. My work explores the ethical aspects and stakeholder perspectives of organ-on-chip (OoC) technology. OoCs replicate the functional aspects of organs and/or bodily tissue and can be used to test and develop novel drugs.

Luca: As a PhD student at the Institute of History and the Leiden University Center for Digital Humanities, I conduct ethnographic research on Muslim networks among women in the Sahel. I map how social media usage intertwines with the social relationships of women with religious leadership roles and their followers.

What does impact mean to you?

Jesse: For me, impact is about turning academic knowledge into social benefit. By collaborating with OoC biologists and engineers, I hope that my work can support the responsible innovation and clinical implementation of OoC technology. Ideally, it would also contribute to relevant policy-making.

Luca: Creating impact to me, means respecting the stories of the people that are the focus of study within my research. With my research, I aim to provide insight into the societies of the Sahel to initiate societal change. I want to make the research group’s voices heard by writing detailed accounts. My plan is to connect with social organizsations to share their stories.

How did you become part of the Humanities Venture Lab?

Jesse: When I started my PhD in 2023, I was already familiar with the Humanities Venture Lab (HVL), as I had previously shared an office space at HVL. For my PhD, I was looking for a workspace outside strictly academic circles, where I view my research from other perspectives. At HVL, I found a suitable community and workplace.

Luca: Since October 2023, I have been working regularly in the co-working space of the Humanities Venture Lab. I joined the community because I was looking for a space where social impact takes center stage. I am convinced that at HVL, I can translate my PhD-research into initiatives that create social impact.

How did the Humanities Venture Lab support the development of your venture?

Jesse: Humanities Venture Lab offers an inspiring community and network that promotes entrepreneurship within the humanities. For me, the most valuable aspect of HVL is being part of an environment that both inspires and assists researchers like myself to explore new ways of communicating our work and increasing its social impact.

Luca: The lab offers a network of entrepreneurs and researchers who inspire me to learn about career opportunities beyond academia. Additionally, HVL’s team provided me with resources such as training courses, and helped medevelop a plan to make anthropological and media knowledge accessible to a non-academic audience.

What is your best piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jesse: Be open to collaboration, don't be afraid to try something new, and don't reduce yourself to a single skillset. Find something you’re truly interested in; the rest will follow naturally.

Luca: Don’t be afraid, immerse yourself, and listen closely to those who have walked the same paths many times before.