A look at...impact as second nature
Climate change, wealth distribution, restoring trust in government. These are all societal challenges in which the humanities play an important role. To contribute even more powerfully to finding solutions, the Faculty of Humanities will focus on impact in the coming years.
For instance, an Impact Fund has been set up for initiatives at an early stage. Researchers can make use of this if they want to grow a small impact project. Since 2022 there has also been a vice dean for research and impact, there will be Impact Developers in each department, the Research Support Office will be expanded with an expert in societal networks & partners, and there will be a new boost for science communication. Three persons involved give their views.
Text: Hanneke Olivier
鈥淎s a researcher in the field of conflict studies, I have always felt the urgency to contribute academic knowledge about the changing nature of warfare to public and political debates. Together with colleagues, societal partners and students, I produce knowledge, inform the public and work with ministries to improve their policies; it enriches my career and gives a great sense of satisfaction.
As Impact Developers, Saskia Stevens and I want to help colleagues increase their impact. We will identify societal partners, organise events and workshops, and promote the impact agenda within the university. Fortunately, for many researchers in our faculty, impact is already second nature. It鈥檚 up to us to give them the support and recognition they deserve and draw important lessons for others.鈥
Dr Lauren Gould is associate professor and Impact Developer in the Department of History and Art History in the Faculty of Humanities
鈥淲ith our new policy, we want to remove obstacles and further strengthen cooperation with partners so that impact-oriented research can grow, become more visible and be even better used in society. And not only will research projects become more varied and impactful, it will also make the education curriculum more attractive and relevant.
In the coming years, we will particularly stimulate Environmental Humanities, Data School, Language, Communication & Inclusion, Ethics and Cultural Heritage. Concrete plans with partners are already in place. I am proud that we are contributing to a better world in this way.鈥
Prof. Ted Sanders is vice dean of research and impact at the Faculty of Humanities
鈥淐ommunication plays a big role in connecting research and society. Humanities scholars, for example, are often very valuable in interpreting current affairs. But we want to show even better the impact of the humanities on society.
That is why we invest in science communication and in an equitable dialogue with all groups in society. A new communication colleague will guide researchers in engagement activities in all phases of scholarly practice and offer support in making impact activities measurable.鈥
Annemiek van Gorp is head of Communication and Marketing at the Faculty of Humanities