After almost eight years of collaborating in interdisciplinary and societal impact-driven research, it is time to showcase the innovations and efforts created by the Erasmus Initiatives. This conference offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far—celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and drawing valuable lessons to inform future endeavors. Discussions will explore strategies for sustaining impact-driven research, overcoming interdisciplinary hurdles, and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Attendees will gain insights into how to translate these lessons into actionable plans for their own research and collaborations.
What is the event about?
Universities are faced with new and changing expectations, which require us to play a more active role with innovative and interdisciplinary approaches helping us solve the wicked problems of today. Over the past years, the Erasmus Initiatives have provided a platform for researchers to collaborate and learn together to try to address these challenges, working across disciplines to create knowledge that truly matters. This includes:
Sustainability of impact-oriented projects
With funding becoming increasingly fragmented and time-limited, many successful initiatives struggle to maintain momentum and institutionalize their practices. How can we make sure that our interdisciplinary collaborations, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of networks with external organizations can be transformed into sustainable, routinized practices?
Interdisciplinary research
Interdisciplinary research holds tremendous promise, but it is also fraught with challenges: differences in disciplinary language, methodologies, and frameworks can hinder collaboration, while institutional barriers and funding structures may complicate interdisciplinary projects.
Stakeholder engagement, societal impact and ethics
How can research, ethical frameworks and stakeholder collaboration align to foster meaningful, equitable, and lasting change in society? Effectively engaging stakeholders while adhering to ethical principles can profoundly shape outcomes, ensuring that initiatives not only succeed but also contribute to the well-being of society.
Who is this event for?
This event is open to researchers within and beyond Erasmus University who are engaged or interested in interdisciplinary research and societal impact. It offers a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals.
Sign up
Registration will be available soon.
TBA
Vital Cities and Citizens
With the Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens (VCC) Erasmus University Rotterdam wants to help improve the quality of life in cities. In vital cities, the population can achieve their life goals through education, useful work and participation in public life. The vital city is a platform for creativity and diversity, a safe meeting place for different social groups. The researchers involved focus on one of the four sub-themes:
- Inclusive Cities and Diversity
- Resilient Cities and People
- Smart Cities and Communities
- Sustainable and Just Cities
VCC is a collaboration between Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB), Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) and International Institute of Social Studies (ISS).