Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ReERUA (Research and Engagement for the European Reform University Alliance)
Période du rapport: 2021-10-01 au 2023-03-31
Re:ERUA, Research and Engagement for the European Reform Universities Alliance (ERUA) is the research component of one of the 24 European university alliances selected under the second call of the European Universities Initiative.
Led by the University of Paris 8 (France), with four partners - Roskilde University (Denmark), the University of Konstanz (Germany), the University of the Aegean (Greece), and the New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria) - Re:ERUA is aimed at developing a strategy for engaged and responsible research and innovation within the Alliance. The university-civil society relationship is mutually beneficial. Scientific knowledge is relevant in ensuring empowerment and equality across regions and local communities. Universities, from a reform perspective, serve as channels for knowledge transmission, reflectivity, and the empowerment of the next generation to address relevant matters of concern.
The first objective is to build an Engagement strategy. The second objective is to rethink research and innovation from the perspective of participatory and inclusive societal engagement, thereby showcasing ERUA as an engaged European University. The third objective is to focus on developing original interdisciplinary approaches that connect Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) to Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Engineering.
Led by the University of Paris 8 (France), with four partners - Roskilde University (Denmark), the University of Konstanz (Germany), the University of the Aegean (Greece), and the New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria) - Re:ERUA is aimed at developing a strategy for engaged and responsible research and innovation within the Alliance. The university-civil society relationship is mutually beneficial. Scientific knowledge is relevant in ensuring empowerment and equality across regions and local communities. Universities, from a reform perspective, serve as channels for knowledge transmission, reflectivity, and the empowerment of the next generation to address relevant matters of concern.
The first objective is to build an Engagement strategy. The second objective is to rethink research and innovation from the perspective of participatory and inclusive societal engagement, thereby showcasing ERUA as an engaged European University. The third objective is to focus on developing original interdisciplinary approaches that connect Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) to Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Engineering.
During the first period, Re:ERUA started building a research expertise and a research strategy linked to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and research engagement. A joint expert group meeting was held to explore new R&I approaches and promote experimentation on societal engagement and responsible research. Workshops on Alternative Excellence were organized to define the initial steps of a common strategy for engaged and responsible research.
A mapping of initiatives related to innovation and societal engagement was conducted, contributing to the development of a new conceptualization of RRI and strengthening the research component of the Alliance. Experimentation on societal engagement and responsible research will lead to the creation of recommendations for the academic and non-academic sectors. The catalogue of approaches in social innovation and co-creation lists researcher experiences and encourages reflection on how academic research can engage with society.
ERUA is also creating a research portal to provide an overview of research activities in the Alliance and foster the formation of a research community. Researchers will be able to submit collaborative needs through this portal to enhance social innovation and RRI in all fields. Additionally, universities within the alliance are encouraged to propose calls for research projects to promote ambitious initiatives.
The initiative also focuses on Open Science, with monthly online meet-ups organized and a publication on organizing these events in Open Access. An Open Science Fundamental Online Course with eight modules has been developed and made available for use by the partners.
Furthermore, a common competence framework for human capital is being developed. The initiative has identified the training needs of early-career researchers and academic and research administrative staff. Additionally, skills supply and demand mismatches at the regional/local level were mapped to understand the interrelationship between skills demand and supply for regional economies. These analyses will contribute to the establishment of a charter and action plan for Training Programs within the Alliance.
Two publications have been produced as part of the project.
A mapping of initiatives related to innovation and societal engagement was conducted, contributing to the development of a new conceptualization of RRI and strengthening the research component of the Alliance. Experimentation on societal engagement and responsible research will lead to the creation of recommendations for the academic and non-academic sectors. The catalogue of approaches in social innovation and co-creation lists researcher experiences and encourages reflection on how academic research can engage with society.
ERUA is also creating a research portal to provide an overview of research activities in the Alliance and foster the formation of a research community. Researchers will be able to submit collaborative needs through this portal to enhance social innovation and RRI in all fields. Additionally, universities within the alliance are encouraged to propose calls for research projects to promote ambitious initiatives.
The initiative also focuses on Open Science, with monthly online meet-ups organized and a publication on organizing these events in Open Access. An Open Science Fundamental Online Course with eight modules has been developed and made available for use by the partners.
Furthermore, a common competence framework for human capital is being developed. The initiative has identified the training needs of early-career researchers and academic and research administrative staff. Additionally, skills supply and demand mismatches at the regional/local level were mapped to understand the interrelationship between skills demand and supply for regional economies. These analyses will contribute to the establishment of a charter and action plan for Training Programs within the Alliance.
Two publications have been produced as part of the project.
In pursuit of our objectives, we have devised a comprehensive strategy that encompasses six key activities:
Our first focus area revolves around formulating a common engagement strategy in the fields of research and innovation by encouraging active participation and dialogue.
To effectively implement a common strategy of RRI, a thorough mapping of challenges will enable us to develop tailored solutions and enhance our overall research and innovation ecosystem. Through pilot projects, we will explore innovative ways to involve citizens actively. Successful pilots will be scaled up and integrated into mainstream practices.
Within the alliance, we will identify thematic and methodological convergences. This endeavor seeks to establish a shared understanding and approach to tackling complex challenges, thereby maximizing our collective impact. to intensify research cooperation not only within our consortium but also with external stakeholders. Collaboration will be a driving force behind groundbreaking discoveries.
A focus will be to engage our commitment to empowering human capital includes a particular focus on women and young researchers. By providing support, mentorship, and opportunities, we strive to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce that drives progress.
Transparency and accessibility are essential in the pursuit of an engaged research and innovation. We will actively build structures of Open Science across partner institutions, facilitating open sharing of research findings and data.
We plan to develop shared research databases, labs, libraries, and other resources to streamline and optimize our collective efforts.
Our first focus area revolves around formulating a common engagement strategy in the fields of research and innovation by encouraging active participation and dialogue.
To effectively implement a common strategy of RRI, a thorough mapping of challenges will enable us to develop tailored solutions and enhance our overall research and innovation ecosystem. Through pilot projects, we will explore innovative ways to involve citizens actively. Successful pilots will be scaled up and integrated into mainstream practices.
Within the alliance, we will identify thematic and methodological convergences. This endeavor seeks to establish a shared understanding and approach to tackling complex challenges, thereby maximizing our collective impact. to intensify research cooperation not only within our consortium but also with external stakeholders. Collaboration will be a driving force behind groundbreaking discoveries.
A focus will be to engage our commitment to empowering human capital includes a particular focus on women and young researchers. By providing support, mentorship, and opportunities, we strive to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce that drives progress.
Transparency and accessibility are essential in the pursuit of an engaged research and innovation. We will actively build structures of Open Science across partner institutions, facilitating open sharing of research findings and data.
We plan to develop shared research databases, labs, libraries, and other resources to streamline and optimize our collective efforts.