From Awkward Emails to Real Collaboration: Connecting Your (PhD) research with Societal Partners

Working with - and reaching out to - societal stakeholders has become a central part of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Yet, many early career researchers find it challenging to move beyond formal collaborations and build partnerships that are truly meaningful, productive, and sustainable.

This training event, developed in response to the needs expressed by members of the Rudolf Agricola School PhD and Aletta Talent Network Community, is designed to help you navigate these challenges. Together, we will explore what it takes to turn a stakeholder from a partner “on paper” into an engaged collaborator.

By sharing both good and bad examples, and reflecting on real-world experiences, this event will equip you with tools and strategies to build stronger, more impactful connections between research and society.

Who can join?

Whether you are just starting your PhD or already working with external partners, this session will provide valuable insights to help you collaborate with confidence and purpose. It is open to all early career researchers interested in the topic.

Programme

This half-day event will begin with a plenary lecture. Following this, you can join one of our parallel workshops, either on writing policy briefs or on involving societal partners in practice. Each workshop offers hands-on strategies and practical tips to help you better integrate societal impact into your work.

We will conclude the day with a plenary discussion and informal drinks, offering you the opportunity to connect with more senior researchers who have experience working with societal partners during or after their PhD.

More information on the programme and speakers will follow shortly.