Beyond the map: connecting science and society

This section brings together reflections that reach beyond the core themes of PavoCarto—yet never lose sight of them. PavoCarto is grounded in land resource analysis, mapping, and geoscience. These topics are presented here in a technical framework, but that should not obscure the fact that they are deeply embedded in broader social, political, and economic contexts. Scientific knowledge does not arise in a vacuum. It is shaped by history, power, ideology—and in turn, it helps us interpret the world we live in. This section explores that two-way dynamic.

Here you will find essays that venture outside the strictly geoscientific domain—yet remain anchored in a scientific, analytical way of thinking. These are not academic articles, nor personal opinion pieces in the usual sense. Rather, they are reflective essays, guided by the conviction that science gains meaning when it engages with society—and that mapping the physical world should not prevent us from interrogating the social and political one.

Some of these reflections may provoke disagreement or even seem heretical—especially when they question dominant narratives or challenge conventional wisdom. That, too, is part of the scientific spirit.

Starting with ageism

The first topic addressed here is ageism—a subject of growing relevance, not least for scientists. As we all grow older, we are sooner or later confronted with the persistent stereotypes that surround ageing—both in how others see us, and in how we see ourselves. In research and academia, the impact is especially harsh: older scientists are often perceived as less creative or productive, and many are forced into retirement despite their continued expertise.

These reflections explore the implications of such attitudes—for individuals, for science, and for society at large – and what can be done about it.

This essay is bilingual, English and Dutch.

1. Ageism: a tolerated form of exclusion (EN)
2. Ageïsme: een gedogen vorm van uitsluiting (NL)