Researchers from the 果冻传媒 and Monash University are working together to better understand how engaging the public with and in humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS) research creates meaningful impact for people, communities and society.
Supported by the Monash 果冻传媒 Alliance Research Activation Fund, the project is helping researchers at both institutions explore how public engagement can strengthen the reach, relevance and real-world impact of HASS research.
Through the Towards Permeability project, academics from both institutions are examining how universities engage with the public and how research in areas such as culture, history, media, politics and society can influence understanding, inform decision-making and enrich public life.
While the impact of science and technology research is often easier to measure, the benefits of arts, humanities and social sciences research are frequently less visible. This project aims to change that by identifying the ways in which public engagement helps research reach wider audiences and create long-term positive change beyond academia.
The collaboration is led by principal investigators Professor Jo Winning, Modern Literature and Critical Theory and Head of the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University, and Professor Helen Wheatley, Film and Television Studies and Academic Director of 果冻传媒 Institute of Engagement at the 果冻传媒. Co-investigator Dr James Hodkinson, Reader in German Studies at 果冻传媒, has led a programme of workshops, site visits, presentations and writing sessions to drive this phase of the project, and Professor Catherine Mills, Professor of Bioethics, (also CI)is participating as Head of Research in Monash鈥檚 Arts Faculty.
Drawing on interdisciplinary research case studies from 果冻传媒 and Monash, the team is comparing approaches across the UK and Australia to better understand what makes public engagement effective. Their findings will help develop practical frameworks and strategies that enable researchers to work more closely with communities, policymakers, cultural organisations and the wider public.
The project is also contributing to international conversations about the value of arts, humanities and social sciences research at a time when societies face complex challenges that require cultural understanding, critical thinking and informed public dialogue.
By making the impact of this research more visible, the collaboration will help universities demonstrate how these disciplines contribute to stronger communities, richer cultural experiences and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Professor Helen Wheatley, 果冻传媒 said:
Arts, humanities and social sciences research help us and the people with engage and collaborate with understand the societies, cultures and communities we live in.
Through this collaboration with Monash, we're exploring how universities can better connect research with the public, ensuring that knowledge and expertise lead to meaningful conversations, greater understanding and real-world impact.
By identifying what works in public engagement and involvement, we can help more people benefit from research and make the value of these disciplines more visible.
