HIER - the Hub for Impactful and Engaged Research - is a new collaborative initiative that brings together five leading knowledge institutions in South Holland: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus Medical Center, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, and Leiden University Medical Center. The Hub has officially launched in February 2026 and aims to strengthen, coordinate, and make visible civic engagement across the region.
One hub for impactful and engaged research
Engaging with society in research – through participatory practices and co-creation with societal partners – is increasingly recognised as essential for addressing complex societal challenges. At the same time, these activities are often organised in silos and as short-term efforts, ultimately limiting their reach, sustainability, and impact.
HIER was created to address this challenge. By functioning as a coordinating network, the Hub connects existing expertise, programmes, and infrastructures within our institutions and across the region and it offers a clear entry point for researchers and educators who want to work in more engaged and impactful ways.
For Erasmus University Rotterdam, HIER responds to a clear need for structured and coordinated support for civic engagement. The Hub will focus on key challenges for EUR researchers, such as moving toward equitable partnerships in research, and addressing structural issues that require new ways of working and recognising academic contributions.
HIER commits to support researchers and educators in navigating these challenges and the complex landscape of initiatives at EUR and across the region and ultimately support the embedding of civic engagement practices within research and education.
Practical support for researchers
In practice, HIER will offer:
- A clear entry point to expertise, regional networks, and institutional support for engaged research
- Access to training, tools, curated resources, and peer learning opportunities
- Connections to relevant civic, societal, and transdisciplinary partners
- Support in demonstrating and communicating societal impact
- Advocacy for the recognition of civic engagement within academic career paths
Each participating institution has a spoke-site coordinator who helps researchers find the right resources and networks based on their needs and ambitions.
A timely initiative
The launch of HIER aligns with broader developments in Open Science and responsible research and innovation. HIER is one of the five hubs that will pilot the embedding of citizen science and societal engagement in higher education institutions in the Netherlands. By embedding civic engagement more structurally within institutional policies and infrastructures, HIER directly supports the collaboration between universities and society and the transition to Open Science.
Contributing to EUR Strategy 2030
HIER directly contributes to EUR Strategy 2030 by exemplifying the university's commitment to connecting and engaging with the local community. The Hub supports collaboration in networks and with society, and helps embed societal impact, openness, and engagement as core academic values across research, education, and policy.
As Prof. Arwin van Buuren, Strategic Dean Impact & Engagement, explains: 'HIER gives EUR staff the support to responsibly involve non-academic partners from ideation to initiation in research, education, and societal activities and is an indispensable service for Open Innovation Networks.'
Launch and contact
HIER has officially launched in February 2026. Researchers interested in learning more or exploring how HIER can support their work are invited to get in touch with EUR's coordinator Chiara Stenico.
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