Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) research often involves the study of human behaviour and society, aiming to understand and improve people’s lives. However, SSH research is often criticized for being too theoretical and disconnected from practical applications. In response, various initiatives have emerged to promote the valorisation of SSH research and encourage researchers to create societal impact from their work.
One such initiative is the SSH Researcher Training Programme, which consists of ten modules designed to help researchers create societal impact from their work. The Facilitator Guide, which accompanies the training program, is intended for HEI professional staff who will be teaching the training to SSH researchers. The guide outlines the training content and provides guidance on how to deliver each module effectively.
The Collection of Lighthouse Stories is another valuable resource for SSH researchers. It contains more than 16 profiles and experiences of SSH Valorisation Champions who have been able to successfully valorise their SSH research and create value beyond academia. These profiles provide real-life examples of how SSH research can have practical applications and make a positive impact on society.
To support researchers in their valorisation efforts, the SSH Valorisation Toolkit provides an overview of tools and canvases used for the valorisation process of research. These tools and canvases are used in the delivery of the Researcher Valorisation Training Programme and include exercises and methods for identifying the potential impact of research, engaging stakeholders, and developing effective communication strategies.
The Co-creation Event Guide and Networking Event Guide are two step-by-step guides that provide guidance on how to run co-creation and networking events as presented in the training program or extrapolate exercises and/or relevant steps from the agendas of these events. These guides are intended to help researchers engage with stakeholders and create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
In summary, the tools and resources outlined above are designed to empower SSH researchers to create societal impact from their work. By providing guidance on how to valorise research, engage stakeholders, and develop effective communication strategies, these resources can help researchers bridge the gap between theory and practice and create meaningful change in society.
Read the full article here: E-zine – Revalorise : Ezine 3, page 7
