KNAW honors 6 proposals from pilot fund ‘Science Communication: Appreciated!’
Six submissions from Tilburg University to the KNAW pilot fund 'Science Communication by Scientists: Appreciated!’ have been awarded. TiSEM, TSB and TLS each have been awarded two proposals. 'Appreciated!' is meant for ongoing science communication projects being carried out by teams of scientists. Each team receives €10,000 and should consist of at least three scientists.
Awarded submissions
The following Tilburg University projects have been honored (name in bold = coordinator) by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
- The road to a more sustainable economy
Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM), Tilburg Sustainability Center: Ben Vollaard, Daan van Soest and Dirk Brounen.
The Netherlands is facing the enormous challenge of transforming its economy from a large consumer of fossil fuels to a large consumer of more environmentally friendly energy sources. In a short period of time, a series of very far-reaching decisions are being taken at the level of the national government, province, municipality, households and industry. Economic science plays an important role in (a) making explicit the underlying trade-offs between different objectives and costs and benefits, also in the longer term, and (b) in showing how to bring about the required behavioral change.
- Information Management for Crisis and Disaster Management
Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM), Information Management: Kenny Meesters, Joris Hulstijn and Carol Ou.
With climate change, technical dependencies, population growth and geopolitical tensions, the emergencies affecting our society will increase. In crisis situations, information plays a crucial role. However, with the current abundance of possibilities to collect, process and share information, optimizing the organization with the right people and processes is an increasing challenge. In situations where quick action is vital, the right information must reach the right person at the right time.
- European Values Study: EVS-NL team
Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB), Sociology, European Values Study: Inge Sieben, Tim Reeskens, Quita Muis, Loek Halman and Ruud Luijkx.
The European Values Study (EVS; www.europeanvaluesstudy.eu) is a large-scale, cross-national, longitudinal survey project that has provided information on the changing values and attitudes of citizens across Europe since 1981. The results of this long-term project provide valuable insights into important social and political issues, such as identity, tolerance, solidarity, democracy and morality.
- Mental health and sustainable employability
Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB), Tranzo: Evelien Brouwers, Kim Janssens, Margot Joosen and Rebecca Bogaers.
The focus is on themes such as stigma as a barrier to sustainable employment participation, the (difficult) discussibility of mental health problems in the work environment, prejudice and employment discrimination, promoting well-being of workers with (mental) health problems, and the prevention of stress and burnout.
- Climate and Energy Transition
Tilburg Law School (TLS), TiLT/Public Law & Governance: Saskia Lavrijssen, Martijn Groenleer, Leonie Reins, Laura Kaschny, Brenda Espinosa and Petra Hofman.
Climate change and the energy transition are among the greatest social challenges of our time. In order to combat climate change, international, European and national climate and energy goals must be translated into concrete actions over the coming years. The main obstacles are not only technological, but also administrative, legal, financial and economic, psychological and social in nature.
- Government in the blockchain - can it be trusted?
Tilburg Law School (TLS), TiLT/Public Law & Govenance: Esther Keymolen, Jurgen Goossens, Gert Meyers and Charlotte van Oirsouw.
Data-driven technology is penetrating the capillaries of our society. How can we ensure that these innovations are founded on public and democratic values? For years, this group of enthusiastic scientists has been actively investing in sharing their research on blockchain and law, trust, privacy and big data with the wider public.
About the fund
Appreciated! is meant for ongoing science communication projects being carried out by teams of scientists. A total of 96 applications have been submitted by 62 faculties, with all Dutch universities participating. Of these, 91 have been awarded funding.
Each team has received € 10,000. See the list of the award recipients. The Appreciated! fund is in line with the new approach to recognising and rewarding scientists that was recently introduced in the Dutch knowledge sector. The fund was set up by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and is being administered by the Academy.
Background
Although interaction between science and society is of enormous importance, science communication is still far from being recognised as integral to the tasks of science. The pilot fund ‘Science communication by scientists: Appreciated!’ – set up by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and administered by the Academy – takes a step towards showcasing and rewarding the many scientists who have dedicated themselves to science communication.
Networking and knowledge-sharing
A supplementary programme is being organised on the theme ‘Science communication by scientists’. An extensive programme of activities will follow in 2021 and 2022 that will focus on knowledge-sharing, training in public engagement.
More details and press release on KNAW website.