On January 22, 2025, the British Academy, in collaboration with the Association of ERC Grantees (AERG), hosted a half-day conference titled The European Research Context for the Humanities and Social Sciences. Held at the British Academy’s premises in London, the event brought together researchers, academics, and stakeholders to explore key topics in European research within the Humanities and Social Sciences. The hybrid format enabled both in-person and online participation.
Summary of Panel Discussions
The conference featured three panel sessions addressing key themes in European research. The first panel provided practical advice for navigating the European Research Council’s application process, offering valuable guidance on funding opportunities. The second panel emphasized the importance of international mobility in fostering collaboration and access to specialized facilities, while highlighting the benefits and challenges of cross-border research within the SHAPE framework. The third session explored ethical dimensions of research, including academic freedom, societal expectations, AI regulation, and the values shaping transnational funding policies. Together, these discussions underscored the complexity of navigating ethical questions in a dynamic research landscape and the need for equitable partnerships in global research. Notably, several members of the AERG board contributed their expertise as panelists: Axel Cleeremans, Liuba Papeo, Agnieszka Wykowska, Patrick Haggard, and Eva Kassens-Noor.
Keynote Lecture: A Highlight of the Day
The event concluded with a keynote lecture, part of the Science and Society Webinar, by Professor Philippe Sands KC Hon FBA, titled From Nazism in Europe to European colonialism in the Indian Ocean: memory, identity and other engagements across a continent. The lecture offered a profound exploration of how historical memory and identity intersect with contemporary challenges, providing thought-provoking insights into the societal impact of Humanities and Social Sciences research. Professor Sands reflected on ethical dilemmas and interdisciplinary approaches, resonating deeply with participants and fostering a rich dialogue. The keynote was widely regarded as a standout moment of the event, exemplifying the power of interdisciplinarity and effective dissemination.
Looking Ahead
Recordings of the event, including the keynote lecture, remain available for those who could not attend in real time. The event’s success underscores the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in addressing challenges and opportunities in European Humanities and Social Sciences research.
For more information and to watch the recorded sessions, visit: https://vimeo.com/event/4850726
Stay tuned for our upcoming Science and Society webinars: https://aerg.eu/webinars
