In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of public engagement and social impact in academia. With the rise of social media and the increasing demand for research to have real-world applications, academics are being encouraged to engage with the public and make their work accessible to a wider audience. However, this shift in focus has also brought to light the limitations of the existing structures of reward and recognition in higher education. In this article, we will explore how young scholars who are dedicated to public engagement and social impact are facing challenges in the current academic landscape, and how this presents an opportunity to rethink the traditional metrics of success.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with several academics who have oriented their work around public engagement and social impact. One of them was Daniel Pearson, a young scholar who has been actively involved in community-based research projects. According to Pearson, the current academic system is heavily focused on traditional metrics such as publications, citations, and grant funding, which often do not take into account the impact of research on society. This can be discouraging for young scholars who are passionate about making a difference in the world through their work.
Pearson’s sentiments are echoed by many other academics who have faced similar challenges in their careers. As a result, there is a growing frustration among young scholars who feel that their efforts in public engagement and social impact are not being recognized or valued by the academic community. This has led to a sense of disillusionment and a lack of motivation to continue pursuing these important aspects of academia.
However, instead of viewing this as a setback, we should see it as an opportunity to rethink the existing structures of reward and recognition in higher education. As academics, our ultimate goal should be to contribute to the betterment of society through our research. Therefore, it is essential that we acknowledge and reward those who are actively engaging with the public and making a positive impact in their communities.
One way to achieve this is by broadening the definition of success in academia. This means moving away from the traditional metrics of success and recognizing the value of public engagement and social impact in academic careers. This could include developing new evaluation criteria for promotion and tenure, such as demonstrating the impact of research on policy, community engagement, and public outreach.
Moreover, institutions should also provide support and resources for young scholars to engage in public engagement and social impact initiatives. This could include training programs, funding opportunities, and recognition for their efforts. By doing so, institutions can foster a culture of public engagement and social impact, and encourage more young scholars to pursue these important aspects of academia.
Another important aspect to consider is the role of social media in public engagement and impact. With the rise of social media, academics now have a powerful tool at their disposal to reach a wider audience and make their research accessible to the public. However, the current academic system does not place much value on social media engagement and often overlooks its impact. This needs to change, and institutions should recognize the value of social media in promoting public engagement and impact.
Furthermore, it is crucial to involve the public in the evaluation process of research impact. After all, the ultimate goal of public engagement is to create a positive impact on society. Therefore, the public should have a say in determining the success of research in achieving this goal. This could be done through public engagement events, surveys, and other forms of feedback.
In conclusion, young scholars who are dedicated to public engagement and social impact are facing challenges in the current academic landscape. However, this presents an opportunity to rethink the existing structures of reward and recognition in higher education. By broadening the definition of success, providing support and resources, and involving the public in the evaluation process, institutions can foster a culture of public engagement and social impact. This will not only benefit young scholars but also contribute to the overall goal of academia – to make a positive impact on society. As Daniel Pearson rightly points out, “We need to change the game of academic metrics and create a level playing field for young scholars who are passionate about public engagement and social impact.” It is time for institutions to take notice and make the necessary changes to recognize and reward the efforts of these dedicated academics.
