These student ministers know how to make our country better through academic research

How do we move more? How did the Netherlands become a frontrunner in ethical AI? Victoria University student Hila Pawari and UvA student Ljubissa Mitikos, both ministers in the 14-member Student Cabinet, have plans for a better Holland.

What is the idea behind the Student Council?

Ljubisa Metikos (LM): “Initially, the student treasury was a publicity stunt by fourteen Dutch universities. They want the bond between policy makers and academics to become stronger; that more and more policy depends on academic research. We are also free to how to occupy Our Jobs As my student minister of data and privacy, I am primarily involved in many discussions, including with the Department of Justice and Security, the business community and professors. I want to share their insights with other policy makers. In fact, I see myself as a kind of mediator. But I also learn a lot, so I may I am finally able to make some policy suggestions.”

Hila Pawari (HB): “As Student Minister for Sports and Exercise, I want to make health-related ideas from science more open to discussion in order to clarify what is important. For example, I will look at how to make people live healthier the easy way with JOGG youth organization , Youth Op Gezond Weight”.

Why is it important to focus more scientific research in policy making?

LM: Research often stays within the academic bubble. Looking for filter bubbles is an example of this happening. A filter bubble means that the information you see on the Internet is tailored to your online search behaviour. As a result, various information will no longer be presented to you. When you only see formatted information, your clicking behavior is also more focused on that information. This will give you an echo effect and can get stuck in your bubble. Many people think that more attention should be paid to this. However, most scientists cannot find filter bubbles in their experimental research. If policymakers start focusing on liquidation bubbles, I think they may have missed the point a bit. this is shame “.

HP: “It is not always possible to get information from research into the ‘real world.’ There is a term for that: implementation gap. However, we can learn a lot from different studies, for example from international research into the sugar tax. The Netherlands has not yet implemented this, but Norway and the United Kingdom have, among other countries. We know it works there.”

What are your plans as a student minister?

HB: “I want to focus on what the government can do to move the Netherlands further. One option is to create a green environment that encourages people to do more. I also want it to be free for children to participate in sports.”

LM: “I am interested in secure technologies in my plans. In the Netherlands, we already have a lot of experience when it comes to data protection and artificial intelligence certification, ie Artificial intelligence, Amnesty International. We have all kinds of research institutes doing research on this, including the Amsterdam Civic Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the Human Artificial Intelligence Laboratory(E) and the UvA Information Law Institute. They are concerned with, among other things, preventing violations of privacy and discrimination. We need to pay more attention to that and invest in it.”

How can your plans improve the Netherlands?

HP: “People become healthier if they get more exercise. Physical activity helps prevent disease and injury. Only half of the Dutch population meets the criteria for exercise guidelines. Research shows that children in a green environment play more outside. As a result, adults are moving more and more. “.

Lom: “I see our country being number one in ethical AI. We are already ahead compared to other countries. There is more technological progress in AI in China than there is here, but there is not a strong focus on ethics. This will be important, because there will be Heavy commitments regarding ethical artificial intelligence. In the Netherlands, companies are already emerging that are particularly focused on this development. It will provide us with opportunities for the economy. ”

Do you have political ambitions for the future?

HB: “I am open to it, but at first I have other plans. In fact, I just want to succeed in making the Netherlands better and healthier. I am convinced that this will work with our plans.”

Lum: “I really enjoy politics, but now I focus mainly on the legal profession. I was active on an advisory committee at Uitgeest, the Youth and Youth Council, and as a result I saw that the political process was going very slowly. That can be frustrating.”

HP: “Fortunately, you can actually reach people and have an impact by sending an email. Politicians are friendly and respond to us positively.”