In the light of pressing social and ecological crises, many researchers consider it their duty or are intrinsically motivated to work on societal questions. In doing so, they often work in more transformative, engaged, action-oriented, inter- or transdisciplinary ways. Yet are their universities and the broader academic system designed to accommodate these research approaches? In this research project, we explore how engaged and action-oriented research can be institutionalised in academia.
What we're currently working on
We have started looking into the increased focus of universities on ‘societal impact’ and their efforts to support their academics to have such impact. One of these efforts is the creation of different organisational forms and institutional designs (e.g. interfaculty platforms, specific reward & recognition policies). During 2023, we will be doing a cross-case comparative analysis of institutional designs supporting more engaged or transformative academic work at universities across the world.
Our findings
Blog series 'Exploring transformative research'
About the researcher
Julia Wittmayer is Assistant Professor at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and works as a senior researcher and advisor at DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute of Transitions). Within DIT, Julia focuses on building an ecosystem around Transformative Research and on developing DIT as an institutional action research experiment.
Join us
Are you interested in working with us on this broader topic of the transformation of academia? We’re always looking to collaborate with guest researchers, to join in with other cases or co-organise workshops. Please send an email with your idea to j.m.wittmayer@drift.eur.nl