Documentary series “Science in the Backyard” brings science to life
University of Amsterdam and Editcompany launch inspiring science series presented by Anna Gimbrère
16 November 2025
The National Consultation of Beta Deans has awarded a grant to the University of Amsterdam and video producer Editcompany for the production of the new science series Science in the Backyard. The documentary series, presented by science journalist Anna Gimbrère, will make science accessible to a broad audience, with a focus on secondary school students and teachers. Filming has already begun, and the first episodes of the series will appear in the 2026-2027 school year.
Science in the Backyard
The new documentary series Science in the Backyard takes viewers into the world of contemporary scientists who are figuratively, and sometimes literally, standing in the mud. Each episode focuses on one scientist, who shows how complex questions – such as the mysteries of galaxies, the chemistry of everyday life, or the mathematical principles behind natural phenomena – can be explored with simple means.
Presenter Anna Gimbrère guides viewers through various fields of science, from astronomy to ecology and from chemistry to mathematics, demonstrating that even without advanced laboratories you can unravel the mysteries of the universe. The message: science is everywhere, accessible to everyone, and above all, incredibly exciting.
The series, which will initially be distributed via YouTube, is aimed at students, teachers, and anyone with an interest in science. With supplementary material on the website wetenschap-in-de-achtertuin.nl, the series offers a valuable resource for education and inspiration.
In October, filming of the pilot episode took place, centring on physicist Tess Heeremans. Tess once won the Ig Nobel Prize for research on drunk worms, and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam conducting research at the AMOLF research institute into crystals – a subject that also features in her hobby as a silversmith. Tess shows Anna at home how to make extra-salty salt crystals yourself, and at the lab of the Self-Organizing Matter group of Wim Noorduin, she demonstrates how silver can also exhibit remarkable growth behaviour under the microscope using electrochemistry.
Science in the Backyard is aimed at everyone who is curious about the world around them. The series invites viewers to discover the wonders of science in their own backyard.
Science in the Backyard is a co-production of the University of Amsterdam and Editcompany. With the support of the recently awarded grant from the National Consultation of Beta Deans, the first five episodes, covering various exact sciences, will be produced. Filming will continue in 2026, and the series will premiere in the 2026-2027 school year.
Science in the Backyard is an initiative of:
Editcompany – Maarten Butter and Kirsten Straalman, experienced programme-makers and the creative force behind the earlier documentary Sterrenstof (Stardust). With their expertise in production and post-production and a passion for science communication, they strive to make science accessible to a broad audience.
Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam – Marcel Vonk, physicist and science populariser, contributes scientific knowledge and experience in reaching a broad audience, with a special focus on schools. As the author of various popular science books and editor-in-chief of the website The Quantum Universe, he ensures the scientific accuracy and depth of the series.
Anna Gimbrère is a Dutch science journalist and presenter. With a background in physics and astronomy at the University of Amsterdam, she combines scientific expertise with media skills. She worked as an editor and expert on various television programmes, including Galileo, De Nationale Wetenschapsquiz and Experimensen. She has also presented a variety of science programmes and podcasts. In 2019 she was named media talent of the year by de Volkskrant; in 2025 she won the Iris Pen together with Diederik Jekel. In 2024, Anna gained wide national recognition as The Mole in Wie is de Mol? (Who is the Mole?).