Civic engagement in action: Empowering researchers and educators to make an impact

Introduction

Key terms: qualitative and quantitative research, participatory methods, generating impact with your PhD project,  civic engagement, stakeholder collaboration, introductory course, relevant for students in all PhD phases.

ECTS: 2.5
Number of sessions: 6
Hours per session: 4

This course supports researchers and educators in connecting their academic work with societal stakeholders through civic engagement. The ultimate importance of such civic engagement is that it increases the relevance, value and impact of academic work.

While some research or educational projects hold potential for societal responsiveness, translating that potential into meaningful engagement requires intentional design and collaboration.

The course is not theory-intensive. Instead, it emphasises hands-on project development, partnership building, and reflective practice, with the aim of supporting you with designing and implementing a civic engagement initiative within your research or teaching.

Through a mix of interactive lectures, group discussions, coaching sessions, and peer feedback, you will develop a civic engagement initiative while reflecting on your role and available tools. In addition, the course provides access to a network of experts and potential partners, and connects you with a growing community of civic-minded researchers and educators.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, actively develop a civic engagement concept during and after the course, and commit to implementing their project within six months of course completion.

Entry level and relevance

This course is accessible to researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, or TU Delft.

No prior training in participatory research or community engagement is required. However, participants should have an initial concept for a civic engagement project.

The course is ideal for PhD candidates (in all phases of their trajectory), postdoctoral researchers, and educators who wish to embed civic engagement ideas into their academic work.

It is multidisciplinary and welcomes participants from all fields eager to collaborate across societal sectors.

Relations with other courses

This course complements the EGSH courses Action and participation in research for social change, which introduces participatory approaches, and Communicating your research to non-academics, which focuses on communication strategies.

While the former emphasises theory and methodology, and the latter concentrates on producing engaging outputs, Civic engagement in action focuses on hands-on project development—from idea formulation to dissemination—and on building sustainable stakeholder collaborations.

Before following Civic engagement in action, participants may find it useful to take Action and participation in research for social change to prepare or deepen their understanding of the subject matter.  Afterwards, they could follow up with Communicating your research to non-academics to strengthen the communication aspects of their civic initiatives.

Sessions and preparations

Session 1: Introduction to civic engagement
The course starts with a general introduction to the notion of civic engagement. What does civic engagement mean in academic contexts, and why is it important?
Preparations: you may be asked to make some preparations for each session. Further details will be provided before the start of the course.

Session 2: Co creation and partnership building
We will explore diverse methods to engage stakeholders and build trust over time.

Session 3: Communication strategies
This session focusses on designing tailored communication for different audiences.

Session 4: Funding, resources and reciprocity
In session 4 we will identify funding opportunities and ethical norms of give and take in engagement work.

Session 5: Ethics and power dynamics
Session 5 reflects on positionality, power imbalances, and ethical frameworks in civic engagement.

Session 6: Share findings
In the last session, we will discuss how you can share your findings with both academic and societal audiences through creative and impactful formats.