Towards a stronger sector: Insights and ambitions from FGGA & FSW
Connecting, discussing success stories and taking the next steps: that is what the Meet & Greet on the sector plans was all about. On 2 June, nearly 20 assistant professors from FGGA and FSW, appointed under the sector plans, came together to connect with the wider community, share insights, and chart the road ahead.
From success stories to shared challenges, the Meet & Greet was about building momentum and identifying what’s needed to make the most of what the sector plans have to offer.
Bart Barendregt, vice-dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, warmly welcomed all the attendants and briefly discussed the history and development of the sector plans. The overarching goals of the plans were highlighted, such as ‘investing in the foundations for Scientific Research and Education, strengthening societal resilience and moving forward together as a sector.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to zoom out and better understand the broader purpose of the sector plans. 'Often, we're hired for specific projects, like the Europe Hub or Educational Innovation at Leiden University College,' one assistant professor noted. ‘Sessions like this help us grasp the bigger picture, the shared goals we’re working toward as a sector, and why these plans truly matter.’
Sector plans SSH
In 2022, the sector plans were drawn up by the SSH-council (Social Sciences & Humanities). By decree of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, 10 million euros became available for research within the SSH-domain. This domain is indispensable for understanding complex societal issues. Research and education on central themes, such as ‘education’; ‘psychological welfare’; ‘resilience in youth’ and societal transitions greatly contribute to innovation, social welfare and economic prosperity in the Netherlands. The sector plans are a joint agreement between Dutch universities to improve interdisciplinary research and education, while fostering collaboration between faculties in Leiden and elsewhere.
A moment of reflection
Divided into four groups, staff members from FGGA and FSW discussed the following questions regarding the plans:
- What have the sector plans signified for us so far?
- What can they represent for us in the coming years and (much) later?
- Where lies the greatest gain and the greatest room for improvement, and what is needed to achieve that?
The assistant professors reflected on the networking opportunities resulting from the sectorplans, the chance to learn more about the Dutch universities (particularly for international staff), the possibility to focus and develop an area of expertise in more depth. The group also acknowledged that while interdisciplinary collaboration is a noble goal, it doesn’t come easily, it takes effort and intentionality. Early-career scholars, in particular, often face challenges when trying to collaborate across disciplines. There was a clear call to identify and share what makes these collaborations succeed, and to explore how sector plan funding can help foster and support them.
Beyond interdisciplinary work, participants saw plenty of room to learn from one another. Whether it’s about engaging with the media to amplify research impact or improving communication within and between faculties and universities. It also became clear that the various sector themes are not isolated silos. On the contrary, they often overlap more than initially expected. During the roundtable discussions, this realisation sparked excitement about possible synergies and cross-theme collaborations.
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The assistant professors reflect on the sector plans in small groups -
Vice-dean Bart Barendregt discusses the importance of the sector plans
Moving forward
There was broad agreement on the potential and the need for stronger connections and more communication between colleagues. Many emphasised the value of a shared platform where sector staff can exchange ideas and updates, along with more in-person gatherings. One such opportunity is already on the horizon: the joint Research Festival planned later this year between FGGA and FSW.
Koen Caminada, dean of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, concluded the afternoon with a summary, addressing the feedback by the four small groups. The Meet & Greet was a good start to pick up on the wishes of everyone involved. As he reminded everyone: ‘the sector plans aren’t something handed down from above, they’re ours. They represent the direction we choose to move in together, to better serve society and shape the future of our field.’
The meeting and all the input provided, is very useful in moving forward to create a stronger and more coherent community for the sector plans.