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Joining forces is necessary to address pressing societal issues in richer, more robust and more relevant ways

To be societally relevant, you have to combine perspectives from various areas of research,” says Bas van Bavel, Professor of Transitions of Economy and Society. him about Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��'s approach to interdisciplinary research. "We believe that progress happens at the intersection of disciplines." Utrecht’s forward-thinking scholars began exploring that intersection years ago, when they officially embraced a multidisciplinary framework for conducting research about complex societal challenges, organised in four overarching strategic themes. 

In the IHE article, prof. Van Bavel elaborates on the start of the university's strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies (IOS). Bringing together scholars from a wide array of fields, IOS is a pioneering research network, with Bas van Bavel as its scientific director. Institutions for Open Societies, Bas van Bavel explains, embodies and reflects Utrecht’s commitment to simultaneously advance both academic achievements and societal good. Scholars bring together their expertise to answer two vital questions: Why do societies develop so divergently? And how do institutions contribute to the formation of open and sustainable societies?

Contributing to the future and resilience of open societies

"Our researchers are experts at developing methodologies and frameworks in order to help others better understand societal situations or conditions—and all the more so when they analyze their findings through an interdisciplinary lens. As scholars, it is our responsibility to join forces and show our societal relevance by contributing to the future and the resilience of our open societies. We must not shy away from this.”

Van Bavel is confident that the interdisciplinary research he and his colleagues are conducting through Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��’s IOS focus, in collaboration with societal partners, can make a tangible difference. “When the different perspectives come in contact with one another, we question our own ideas and assumptions,” says van Bavel. “Then we end up with a more multifaceted and holistic view of the world, which enables us to make a high-quality societal impact."