Together with Lex Bohlmeijer (Radio 4 / De Correspondent), Nynke interviews twelve scientists, philosophers and performing artists who inspire her. 

A few weeks ago Lex and Nynke had an online meeting with tree scientist Valerie Trouet. Based in Arizona, she researches climatic developments based on the annual rings of trees. Valerie's enthusiasm is infectious: "Have you ever looked at wood through a microscope? It's a beautiful material! Truly a combination of beauty and functionality. There's no end to the beautiful patterns, and each cell has its own specific function. There is so much diversity in it." At the same time, the results of her research are crystal clear: "We are really the frogs in the boiling water [...] Trees don't lie."

About Valerie Trouet

The Flemish Valerie Trouet is a dendrochronologist, or tree scientist. Adonis, the oldest living tree in Europe, was discovered in part by her. Based in Arizona, Valerie researches climate change by studying annual rings. She wrote the book 'What trees tell us', which was awarded the Jan Wolkers Prize in 2020. Nynke has a thing for trees and is fascinated by Valerie's field of study.