Note: The information for this course is based on the information of last year 2016-2017; as soon as the new information is available it will be posted.
Valorization, also known as knowledge utilization, has become an increasingly important aspect of scientific research. The Dutch Organisation for Scientitic Research, NWO, defines knowledge utilisation as:
a process that facilitates the use of scientific knowledge outside of academia and/or by other scientific disciplines. The process often requires interaction between the researcher and the intended knowledge user, and this contact can take place in all phases of the research: from formulating the research question through to disseminating the research results.
For research proposals, a paragraph on the potential knowledge utilization is obligatory, and plays an increasingly important role in the evaluation of such proposals. At least partly this is the result of the wish of research foundations such as NWO to show the general public the relevance of scientific research and the need for funding of such research.
In a number of meetings led by the course coordinators, experts (incl. policy officers, senior researchers, GSH valorization laureates) are invited to elaborate on various issues pertaining to valorization and also to share their experiences. In the successive meetings the following issues are addressed
- What is valorization? Why/how is it relevant? Different forms of valorization, potential stakeholders, partnerships, push vs pull.
- What possibilities are there for valorization? A number of showcases are presented that together illustrate the wide range of possibilities for valorization of arts and humanities research.
- The valorization/knowledge utilisation paragraph in research grant applications: What is expected? How to arrive at a competitive plan.
Students will be given various assignments in which they are challenged to translate and apply what they have learned through the meetings to their specific research focus.
The course is taught in the form of a series of workshop-style meetings. To each meeting experts such as a policy officer, senior researchers, and GSH valorization laureates are invited to talk about various aspects of valorization and how to go about it.Students prepare for the meetings by reading relevant materials and completing assignments. Student participation in the meetings is through discussions and presentations.
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