Book launch: Collaborative Research in the Datafied Society
Join us for the book launch of Collaborative Research in the Datafied Society: Methods and Practices for Investigation and Intervention (2024, Amsterdam University Press), edited by Mirko Tobias Schäfer, Karin van Es, and Tracey P. Lauriault.
We will celebrate and discuss this open-access volume, which offers a combination of theoretical insights, practical methodologies, and case studies. It showcases the power of collaborative research with stakeholders across diverse communities and civil society, to tackle the pressing challenges of our datafied society.
Practical information
This event will take place on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 from 15.30 to 17.00h (with drinks afterwards) in the Kanunnikenzaal of the Utrecht University Faculty Club (Achter de Dom 7a, Utrecht). Admission is free.
Collaborative Research
In an era shaped by austerity and neoliberal ideologies, the role and relevance of academic institutions are being redefined. This volume explores how universities can transcend their institutional boundaries by partnering with stakeholders and civil society. Through such collaboration, academia can promote democratic engagement, drive knowledge economies, and address critical social justice issues. Combining theoretical insights, practical methodologies, and real-world case studies, this book offers an essential resource for advancing societally engaged research.
Programme
| When? | What? | Who? |
| 15.30h | Opening word | Prof. dr. José van Dijck (Distinguished University Professor; Media & Digital Society) |
| 15.35h | Why would we want collaborative research? | Dr. Karin van Es (Data School Humanities Lead) & Dr. Mirko Tobias Schäfer (Data School Science Lead) |
| 15.50h | Goodbye neutrality, hello activism? A critical inquiry of academia’s changing role | René König (Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences) |
| 16.10h | Investigating and guarding public values in government algorithms | Fleur Stalenhoef (DataWerkplaats) |
| 16.30h | Roundtable: University in Transition. The Challenges and Opportunities | Prof. dr. Beatrice de Graaf (Distinguished Faculty Professor; History of International Relations & Global Governance), Sicco de Knecht (Director Science & Society Expertise Center), and Prof. dr. Sven Dupré (Vice Dean Research and Impact for Humanities). Moderation by Mirko Tobias Schäfer |
| 17.00h | Drinks will provide an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and explore ways to bridge academia and practice | Everyone present |
More information
You can find more information about this book on the website of the publisher and in this news item. On 7 & 8 April 2025, Data School is also organizing the transdisciplinary conference Making a Difference. Societal Impact through Collaborative Research, for which registration is open now.
For whom?
The book launch is open to all who are interested to join. We encourage both academics and professionals from other organisations to sign up for this collaborative event through the registration form below.