This initiative is part of the programme ‘Impact in many ways’, which establishes a framework for implementing CoARA at DTU.
Engineering with Society in Mind
Representation and Societal Impact in Research
Research is impactful when it reflects the diversity of people, needs and contexts it aims to serve. This initiative supports DTU researchers in integrating societal, democratic and ethical considerations into their research through greater attention to representation, inclusion and societal relevance.
The aim is to make human and societal perspectives an integral part of the research process from the early stages of developing ideas, formulating research questions, and applying for funding, to methodology, dissemination, and implementation.
The initiative turns DTU's strategic focus on democratic responsibility into research practice by providing concrete tools and approaches that can be applied throughout the research lifecycle.
Enhancing research quality
Considering societal, democratic and ethical aspects from the outset of the research process is about responsibility as well as enhancing research quality. This is recognised by many Danish funding foundations, as well as EU funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, which increasingly require research proposals to include orientation toward society and address gender and diversity considerations in both the composition of research teams and the research content and design itself.
Understanding the needs, perspectives and contexts in which research will be used ultimately strengthens the robustness and relevance of research questions, methods and outcomes and increase the potential for meaningful impact. Read more about the initiative.
What can you get support with?
Many Danish funding foundations, as well as EU funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, require research proposals to address gender and diversity considerations in both the composition of research teams and the research content and design itself. We can help you integrate gender and diversity dimensions into your research design, methods, content, and expected outcomes, strengthening both the quality and relevance of your proposal.
We support DTU researchers and research groups in integrating human-centred and societal perspectives throughout the research process, from the initial project idea and funding application to implementation, impact, and outcomes. Support is available through facilitated workshops, tailored counselling, and sparring sessions.
Soon, you will here find a range of learning materials, guides, and practical tools to help you incorporate societal, human-centred, and diversity perspectives into your research activities.
Contact
If you would like support, advice, or information about any of the above, please get in touch. We are happy to discuss how these perspectives can be meaningfully integrated into your research or funding application.
Sif Lehman Jensen Office for Research, Advice and Innovation Mobile: +45 93511140 sleje@dtu.dk
