In addition to the objectives pertaining to advancement of knowledge, transfer of knowledge, and the quality of hosting arrangements described above, a strong commitment to make science and research results accessible to all relevant actors has allowed for a continued and optimal exploitation of the results in DIVERGE and progress beyond the expected state-of-the-art. Such activities have so far included:
(i) Presentation DIVERGE research at a national Danish parliamentary hearing on early intervention and children’s health
(ii) Presentation of Diverge at a largescale national conference on children’s wellbeing targeted NGOs, journalists, and politicians.
(iii) Invited member of an additional large international network committed to produce policy relevant research aimed at reducing inequality in children’s health (’Child Well-Being: Advancing Our Understanding of Inequalities in Child Development
through Interdisciplinary and International Research)
The expected results until the end of the project includes the completion of the remaining planned research articles, which are all currently in progress and advancing as expected. During the remaining 12 moths of DIVERGE, I will also continue to develop as an independent mature scholar. My successful re-integration at UCPH is ensured by participation department seminars and meetings, my membership of the research group ‘Welfare, Inequality, and Mobility’, as well as my interaction with senior faculty and cross-disciplinary collaborations. I will be affiliated with UCPH’s Faculty of Health and Medical Science and have the opportunity to partake in seminars and meetings at this Faculty too. The research network I contributed to form will continue its work, and I will stay a member of the additional international network as well as seek out additional collaborations and dissemination opportunities within the European context. Once DIVERGE concludes, there are concrete plans in place for teaching as well as continuation of my research at UCPH.
The research findings of DIVERGE so far have significant potential policy implications because the results suggest a need to formulate assistance policies of a more permanent character, and to include adult support for single parents and families of children in poor health. To implement such policies in the future will likely lead to reduced societal socio-economic costs as children will enter adolescent and adulthood being less vulnerable. The research conducted within DIVERGE also point to a need to apply a more nuanced methodological approach when evaluating interventions related to children’s health outcomes. This also applies to the evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of given programs and interventions.
With regard to wider societal implications of DIVERGE, the extended communication with policymakers and stakeholders as well as outreach to the general public throughout the life time of DIVERGE, has not only the potential to contribute knowledge on how to tailor more effective and supportive interventions, but can likely also add to a better-informed dialogue
