Public engagement and social impact have become buzzwords in the world of academia, and rightfully so. With the rise of global issues and the growing need for academic research to have real-world applications, the role of academicians in society has expanded beyond the traditional realm of knowledge creation and dissemination. This shift has brought about a new breed of academics who are actively engaged in addressing societal issues through their research and teaching, and have become advocates for social change. These scholars are the ones who have taken the initiative to bridge the gap between academia and the general public, and their work presents an opportunity to rethink the existing structures of reward and recognition in higher education.
Daniel Pearson, an independent scholar and writer, recently highlighted this opportunity in his article on Social Science Space, where he draws on discussions with academics who have oriented their work around public engagement and social impact. These discussions revealed that these academics face unique challenges and opportunities in the academic world, particularly when it comes to the current metrics of success and recognition.
Traditionally, academia has been focused on producing high-quality research and publications, with the ultimate goal of achieving tenure and promotion. While this is still an important aspect of academic life, the focus has shifted towards metrics such as citations, impact factors, and h-index, which are used to measure the success and impact of an academic’s work. However, these metrics do not always accurately reflect the impact of an academic’s work beyond the academic community. This is where the work of public engagement and social impact-oriented academics comes into play.
These academics are actively involved in collaborating with non-academic partners, such as community organizations, policy makers, and industry leaders, to address pressing societal issues. Their research has a clear focus on creating positive change and their impact can be seen in tangible ways, such as policy changes, improved community well-being, and advancements in technology and innovation. However, due to the current emphasis on traditional metrics, their work often goes unnoticed and unrewarded in the academic world.
This is a problem that needs to be addressed. The current structures of reward and recognition in academia do not fully acknowledge and value the contributions of public engagement and socially impactful work. This not only hinders the progress of these academics but also undermines the value and potential of their work in addressing real-world issues.
It is time to rethink the existing structures and create a more inclusive and comprehensive system of recognition in higher education. This system should not only take into account traditional metrics but also consider the impact of academic work on society. Public engagement and social impact should be recognized as important indicators of success, and scholars who actively engage in these areas should be rewarded and supported in their career advancement.
Moreover, the current system also puts early-career academics at a disadvantage. Young scholars who are just starting their careers and are passionate about driving social change through their academic work are often not given the opportunity to do so. They are burdened with the pressure of meeting traditional metrics and gaining recognition in order to secure tenure and promotion. This leads to a lack of diversity in the academic community, as those who may be more inclined towards public engagement and social impact are discouraged from pursuing their passion.
It is crucial for universities and academic institutions to create a more inclusive and encouraging environment for these young scholars. This can be achieved by providing them with resources and support to engage in public-facing projects and collaborations, as well as recognizing the value of their contributions in their career progression.
The shift towards recognizing public engagement and social impact as important components of academic success is not only beneficial for individual scholars but also for the academic community as a whole. It opens up opportunities for collaboration and partnership with non-academic organizations, leading to more impactful and relevant research. It also allows for a more diverse and inclusive academic landscape, where the contributions of all scholars, regardless of their focus, are valued and recognized.
In conclusion, the rise of public engagement and social impact-oriented academics presents a unique opportunity to rethink the existing structures of reward and recognition in higher education. It is time to move away from the narrow focus on traditional metrics and create a more comprehensive system that acknowledges and rewards the impact of academic work beyond the walls of academia. This not only supports the career progression of these scholars but also promotes a more inclusive and impactful academic community. As we move towards a more socially conscious and engaged society, it is imperative for academia to adapt and recognize the important role of these scholars in shaping a better world for all.
