By Dr. María José Herrero Villa

After running for almost 3 years the REVALORISE+ project is coming to an end.  Many interesting inputs, outputs and learnings have emerged. Undoubtedly, this is a hot topic with a lot of potential for improvement, so far from stopping here, we would like the outputs and learnings from the project to be fully disseminated, adapted and implemented at a local level at any university.

As mentioned in the research report and summarised in previous posts, 3 main learnings capture the essence of the current status of the valorisation related to these disciplines. These are:

1. the lack of awareness and skills needed for the topic in both researchers and professionals.
2. the convenience of increasing support for researchers and strengthening the relationship between researchers and the transfer units of universities or research centres
3. the necessary collaborative nature of these practices as well as their complexity.

However, the answers to questions aiming to offer different alternatives for improving the described status quo encountered another powerful and structural condition: the career. Both the researchers´ careers and, on another level, the professionals´ or practitioners´ careers. In many countries, the researcher’s career is linked to publications, and valorisation, impact or knowledge transfer are neither markers nor indicators or items considered for promotion.

Let´s not be naïve, of course, it is beyond the possibility of any individual (researcher or practitioner) to change the promotion policy of institutions, but everyone can put the topic on the table and ensure it is part of the conversation and consideration in their particular institution. This is a topical issue and is slowly changing all over Europe; so, what is in the individuals’ hands is to demonstrate they are in a better position for the task but also to assist their institution to enhance the conditions, channels and recognition of the SSC and Humanities valorisation.

However, capacity building is tough, especially if it is done with personal effort. We therefore encourage choosing a systemic training program for the following reasons:

• It is easier, more motivating and more effective learning as participants have access to peers and networks.
• The training needs to be structured for the sake of efficiency.
• The learning materials are validated by experts in the field.
• The certification gives an objective and homogeneous parameter that can be easily validated by the institution or the evaluator.

We are fully convinced of the above, therefore, from here, we encourage you to follow the Revalorise training and certification programs for researchers and professionals which you can access FREE on our website by clicking on this link.