In this time of significant cuts to research and populist voices questioning science, the connection between science and society is high on the agenda. To establish that connection, researchers must listen more to society, as stated in the latest edition of Research.
For emeritus professor of public administration Mark Bovens, the cuts of the Schoof cabinet were no coincidence. According to him, large parts of society feel unseen or unheard by the agendas of universities. Themes such as sustainability, inclusion, and internationalization are seen everywhere. But among broad layers of society, there are primarily concerns about the costs of climate policy, about integration, social cohesion. The cause, according to him, lies in the emergence of a new pillar of academically educated individuals. We realize too little that the concerns and interests we have as academics do not always align with those of practically educated individuals. More self-reflection is needed, he argues.
Grip on societal concerns
Rector and chairman Wim van de Donk (Tilburg University) mentions the somewhat one-sided, internal focus on mechanisms such as competition and scientific reputation as factors that have contributed to the loss of connection. Tilburg University works under the motto Understanding Society on various fronts to make that connection. Gaining more insight into the concerns that exist in society can only be achieved for many major issues we are dealing with by being present and actively connected. Input from society is indispensable as a source for new research. On the bridge between science and practice, it can never just be one-way traffic.
As long as you do not know the value behind a populist statement, you cannot come closer to each other
Science communication is also listening
An important role can lie in science communication, as it is about more than just sending messages, says Sicco de Knecht, director of the National Expertise Center for Science & Society (NEWS). Trust begins with listening, he explains: By listening, you create a connection between science and society. You engage in conversation: you do not talk against someone, but with someone. This can even play a role in populist voices, according to De Knecht: Scientists often factually refute populist statements. But as long as you do not know the value behind a populist statement, you cannot come closer to each other.
The relationship between science and society has historically changed significantly, says professor of philosophy Hub Zwart. In the last century, it was about gentlemen scientists in their white coats, who were engaged in difficult things that the ordinary person did not understand. Nowadays, involved actors such as companies or social organizations are involved from the start. And that only benefits the quality and relevance of the research, Zwart believes.
Read the magazine
The new edition of NWO magazine comes out this week and can be read online. How do science and society relate to each other? What does this time require from researchers? What role can science communication play in gaining the trust of the entire society? And how do researchers succeed in bringing knowledge to the right target groups to achieve the greatest social impact?
Read the entire magazine Building Bridges Between Science and Society
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NWO Debate April 14: Science in Times of Populism
Figures show a stable picture of trust in science, yet credibility is increasingly questioned. Can science do something about this? Is science sufficiently in contact with society? Should science perhaps do something differently? About this, Alexandra van Huffelen (chairman of the executive board of Radboud University), Mark Bovens (emeritus professor of Public Administration), Alyt Damstra (special professor of Knowledge and Strategic Policy Advising) and Marcel Levi (chairman of NWO) will discuss at NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam.