A defining feature of each theme is that our university already possesses substantial expertise in these areas, and that greater collaboration can generate increased impact. The research themes do not replace existing structures or research institutes; rather, they form an additional, supportive framework that stimulates interdisciplinary and interfaculty collaboration. There is also a focus within these themes on strengthening connections with society. In principle, no research will be funded directly from central resources via the themes. Available resources are intended to support and encourage collaboration.
The research themes are intended to make it easier for university staff to connect with one another for multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research within and across faculties, as well as in partnerships with societal organisations and companies. Such collaborations may also arise within a single faculty, for example between different research institutes. Not all such research will, or needs to, fall under the scope of one of the selected themes. There remains just as much room for this research as before. Moreover, for interdisciplinary research outside the themes, there is the option to form so-called “hotspots”: smaller, lighter variants of the themes with the potential to develop into future themes.
What is being explored?
For each theme, the exploration will consider, among other aspects, the university’s current position in terms of scientific and societal impact; where distinctive opportunities lie for both fundamental and practice-oriented research; and how the organisation can be structured to achieve these ambitions.
For each research theme, one or two lead explorers have been nominated by the Vice-Deans for Research and appointed by the Executive Board. The exploration of the research theme “Value-Driven AI and Digitalisation” had already commenced earlier; it has been decided that the existing working group will continue this exploration.
The lead explorers for the research themes are:
- Brain Function: Edward de Haan (Donders Institute);
- Value-Driven AI and Digitalisation: existing working group chaired by Evelyn Kroesbergen (Faculty of Social Sciences);
- Foundations of Space and Matter: Nigel Hussey (Faculty of Science) and Christoph Lüthy (Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies);
- Sustainable Health: Guillén Fernández (Faculty of Medical Sciences) and Debby Beckers (Faculty of Social Sciences);
- Inequality and Emancipation: Ronald Tinnevelt (Law Faculty) and Anna van der Vleuten (Nijmegen School of Management).
Approach and timeline
The lead explorers will provide advice to the Vice-Deans for Research and the Executive Board on the opportunities, possibilities and strategic directions for each research theme, as well as on the organisational structure they consider necessary to effectively realise these opportunities.
Each explorer is supported by a sounding board group, to which each faculty has been able to delegate a member. In addition, explorers may request information from staff and researchers within the university to gain a clearer picture. In the autumn, the recommendations will be further developed. Bert van den Brink, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, is closely involved in this process on behalf of the Board of Deans.