It takes a village to deliver significant societal impact

The new academic year has also begun for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. The introductory lecture was given by Dr. Tanja Perko, a researcher at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEBN) and an assistant professor at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Through her experiences as a social science researcher in a natural science and technical research environment, she highlighted the importance of crossing disciplinary boundaries to address complex global challenges.

“ The most powerful breakthroughs come not from individual efforts but from the collective genius of diverse minds working together,” she emphasized. She believes that doctors of the humanities and social sciences possess a strong theoretical foundation, methodological expertise, analytical skills, and reflexivity, enabling them to contribute effectively to addressing complex "How to" questions. Since the challenges of the future extend beyond technical aspects, they are valuable members of interdisciplinary teams, contributing unique perspectives. She advised doctoral candidates to collaborate as much as possible with diverse disciplines and the general public through citizen science, as it takes a village to deliver significant societal impact. 

Learn more about the lecture on the link. 

Foto: izr. prof. dr. Katja Lozar Manfreda

Lecture from. doc. dr. Tanja Perko, FDV, 24. 10. 2024