Society is changing at lightning speed. Digitalization, growing inequality, mental health pressures, and social polarization present us with enormous challenges. Now more than ever, the social sciences are indispensable: they help us understand what these changes mean for people, and how we can respond to them wisely and justly.
That is why Dutch universities have joined forces within the sectorplan for the Social Sciences. This multi-year plan provides calm, space, and direction to make the field future-proof. More importantly, it enables us to respond more effectively—together—to major societal transitions.
The sectorplan focuses on urgent themes such as the impact of digitalization on behavior and policymaking, increasing inequality in opportunities and health, and the effects of mental disorders on people’s ability to function in society.
Collaboration between universities
The plan not only promotes collaboration between disciplines, but also between universities. Researchers share knowledge, strengthen each other’s work, and look beyond the boundaries of their own fields. Only in this way can we approach complex issues in an integrated manner and develop solutions that work in practice. The knowledge generated through this approach enables governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to anticipate and prepare for change—developing policies and strategies that take people and society into account.
The sectorplan for the Social Sciences is currently undergoing a midterm review, led by Christa Boer, Catrin Finkenauer and Rouming Hu.
The Social Sciences sectorplan contains five themes:
In addition to these five interdisciplinary focal points, universities are also working on the theme of ‘Educational sciences of the future’.
