At NordMedia25, Nordicom arranged a panel bringing together scientists and practitioners with broad experience in research communication, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Among the topics discussed were how social scientists can contribute to society and what expectations society places on scholars. What barriers do social scientists face when collaborating and trying to share their findings with broader audiences, and what may a “more livable future” look like for research collaboration and communication?
In a panel organised by Nordicom at NordMedia25, Magnus Fredriksson, editor at Nordicom, moderated a discussion between Sofie Flensburg, co-founder of the Digital Infrastructure Think Tank, Jonas Langeland Pedersen, chief consultant at Universities Denmark, and Frederik Rosén, senior project manager at DEMOCRACY X. The discussion included highlighting challenges in the research community. For example, there is a rising prevalence of personal beliefs and feelings being presented as a form of knowledge, which impacts the idea of what “counts” as good knowledge. Another example that was much discussed is how researchers are paid for teaching and research, but must find time for a third mission: disseminating their research.
Research Beyond Academia
NordMedia is an important arena for Nordic media researchers, and the conference is also a place to discuss issues that go beyond current research. For scholars of journalism, media, communication, and democracy, the relationship between academia and society is crucial.
“What we do as researchers can contribute to a better understanding of how society functions and what is required to uphold important institutions. But for that to happen, our knowledge must also have a place outside academia”, says Fredriksson.
What we do as researchers can contribute to a better understanding of how society functions and what is required to uphold important institutions. But for that to happen, our knowledge must also have a place outside academia
Nordicom plays a key role in connecting academia with the wider society, and the panel was a deliberate step toward strengthening that role. By inviting participants with experience at the intersection of research and public engagement, the discussion brought in a broad range of perspectives.
“Nordicom’s role as a link between academia and society is more important than ever – especially at a time when researchers are, in practice, expected to engage with the public in their spare time”, Fredriksson notes.
“Researchers have a key role to play in democracy and in the development of society”, states Flensburg. “We have an obligation to contribute with accurate knowledge, solid methodologies, relevant interpretative frameworks as a foundation for democratic debate, decision-making and administration. Yet, the conditions for this so-called ‘impact work’ are not always ideal – most of us have to either use our focused research time for disseminating and collaborating or do it in our spare time”
Challenges for Social Scientists in Society
Though several challenges were discussed, the discussion included several ideas for how to increase social scientists’ contribution to society, but also how to ease the pressure for scholars to spend time and effort on disseminating their own research.
One line of thought was to move beyond the idea of science communication as a simple act of dissemination and towards more of a public affairs approach. In other words, moving to a more collaborative practice where researchers engage in the development of society and resist “research washing”.
“When you are called into a political meeting or asked to contribute to a report, for example, as a formality where you don’t have an actual say or are able to make a difference, this can be considered “research washing” – that is, when you’re involved as a researcher only because it ‘looks good’ or to ‘tick a box’”, says Flensburg.
When you are called into a political meeting or asked to contribute to a report, for example, as a formality where you don’t have an actual say or are able to make a difference, this can be considered “research washing” – that is, when you’re involved as a researcher only because it ‘looks good’ or to ‘tick a box’
Social scientists have a role to play in helping people understand that social science research is built on knowledge that has been verified through scientific processes, much like natural sciences.
“Researchers have a lot of agency, including if and when they use it, and the universities are aware of the need to create conditions which motivates and allows researchers to engage with society through various activities”, says Langeland Pedersen.
So the question is, what can be done to create conditions to encourage and facilitate scholars to utilise their agency?
Creating a “More Livable Future”
What kept popping up in the discussion was the need for dedicated positions to fill the gap between researchers and policymakers and business. One could argue that when an article is published, the researcher’s and university’s job is over, but there needs to be a bridge from academia to media, business, and government, so that more professionals and policymakers know how to utilise academic findings.
A lack of conversation is influenced by the nature of research being individualised. Institutionalising these interactions would provide a dedicated structure for increasing the potential for impact than what an individual researcher can do themselves. In other words, establishing structures could relieve some pressure from researchers and “create a more solid and long-lasting connection between the university and ‘society’, where collaborations are not only dependent on individuals’ personal contacts and networks – both in and outside academia”, says Flensburg.
The discussion was lively right up until the time ran out, with professor Klaus Bruhn Jensen proposing a thought-provoking suggestion: If there are dedicated fields in natural sciences, for example, translational medicine, that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, then maybe what we need is “translational social sciences”.
Looking forward
Despite the lively discussion and debate from the panelists as well as audience members, there is still more to be done.
“Despite a lot of great discussions and inputs from the audience, it doesn’t in itself solve some of the great challenges we are faced with. The panel stopped right when we were beginning to talk about more concrete initiatives and solutions. I think we should continue that conversation”, says Flensburg.
Langeland Pedersen reinforces this: “To my mind, we need to do more to engage scientists in the public debate. Much is done but we can do much more and we gain from the activities and engagement of researchers as a society. Every opportunity we have discuss and develop ideas between dedicated peoples should be exploited”.
Nordicom has an important role at the intersection of academia and other parts of society. “This is a role we want to develop, and by creating a platform for discussions, we hoped to learn more. The idea was that the panelists would offer different perspectives, and they certainly did”, Fredriksson concludes.
Are you interested in collaborating in a future panel? Get in touch with Nordicom’s editors at editors@nordicom.gu.se