Improving Arts and Humanities Engagement in Ireland's Civic and Community Sphere. Experiences, challenges, and opportunities for researchers based in HEIs

Abstract

Engaged research is increasingly recognised as integral to addressing national and global societal challenges. Collaboration is also an increasingly important element of university and government policies and a component of both national and European funding schemes.

The Arts and Humanities (AH) currently appear to be underrepresented in engaged research initiatives. Researchers may be missing out on (a) the benefits of bringing their work into active dialogue with societies and communities outside the university and (b) access to important funding streams.

The CEPRAH portfolio focuses specifically on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the AH. It is a resource for individual AH researchers as well as the support staff and management working in HEIs in the Republic of Ireland. The portfolio aims to encourage and enhance future CSO-AH collaboration.

The portfolio is primarily based on (i) an in-depth mapping of the existing engaged research landscape, (ii) one-on-one interviews and case studies, and (iii) a networking event. The authors are indebted to all who took the time to talk to us and engage with the CEPRAH project.