Gabi Lombardo, Secretary-General of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities (EASSH), visited the University for the EASSH Researcher Day, which focused on the visibility and impact of SSH disciplines, new initiatives, and opportunities to shape European research policy. Lombardo also participated in a panel discussion organized by Finnish EASSH member universities on the role of Bildung in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness
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Tackling global challenges requires interdisciplinary research
As the EU develops its next research and innovation funding programme for 2028–2034, Finland is concurrently formulating its national positions and priorities for the forthcoming cycle.
"For the University of Helsinki, it is essential that research funded through Horizon Europe remains broad, inclusive, and interdisciplinary. Global challenges are inherently complex and interlinked with many aspects of society. Addressing complex global challenges requires the interdisciplinary integration of knowledge and methodologies", says
"EU research policy is currently evolving towards a framework that tends to separate the social sciences and humanities into a distinct category, detached from areas such as technological development. Such separation is not only outdated but also detrimental to Europe’s future. SSH disciplines can significantly enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness or technological autonomy when they are integrated into key policy areas within the EU’s competitiveness agenda, such as the green transition, health, biotechnology, digital leadership, defense, and space."
Without a human-centered approach, new technologies and innovations may fail to take root in society or gain public trust. For example, social and ethical considerations, together with insights into human behaviour, are decisive factors in determining the success and societal acceptance of innovations
The role of researchers in influencing EU research programmes
Research in the social sciences and humanities helps us understand human needs, values, and societal dynamics. In times filled with crises, this need for knowledge must also be taken seriously in political decision-making. Funding for SSH research supports both the utilization of new innovations and the resilience and democratic legitimacy of societies.
The EASSH network serves as one of the voices for social sciences and humanities researchers at the University of Helsinki in European Union research policy. However, individual researchers also play a crucial role in strengthening the position of SSH disciplines in Brussels.
"Right now, the University of Helsinki must actively seek to influence the current and future Horizon Europe programme. It is important to highlight the impact of SSH research, for example through EU open consultations and expert panels,” says Risto Kunelius.
During the preparation phase of the new framework programme’s work programmes, researchers can propose topics to national programme committee members that address the needs of their research fields. The results of completed projects should also be utilized. The innovative research questions and methodologies that emerge from these projects provide researchers with a natural way to promote the creation of new projects and programmes.
Through the HSSH Institute, the University of Helsinki is part of the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities (EASSH), which promotes the position of social sciences and humanities in European research and innovation policy.
More information
EASSH network: Professor
University of Helsinki’s EU advocacy work: EU Liaison Manager