Inti Brazil, Mark Dingemanse, Martin Dresler, Eelke Spaak and Fleur Zeldenrust became members of the newly established Radboud Young Academy last October. Together with twelve other young professionals from Radboudumc and Radboud University, the five Donders and Radboudumc researchers have started building this platform to provide advice on policy, create an interdisciplinary network of early career scientists, and promote career development.
The Young Academy will address issues that are of particular importance during the early years in academia, for example safeguarding recognition and diversity to improve science as a whole. “It’s a way to give a voice to young scientists”, Eelke Spaak explains. “And to debate broader topics, such as open science and crossing disciplinary boundaries.” This voice will speak solicited and unsolicited. “I think we’re a sort of Red Team for the university board”, says Fleur Zeldenrust. “We have already been asked for our opinion on some topics, but we will also provide advice when we think necessary.”
The Young Academy represents researchers from postdoc to tenure track level in all fields of science at the Nijmegen campus. Mark Dingemanse: “Many members are already working together all over the campus. Like me: as a linguist at the Centre for Language Studies, I maintain close ties with both the Donders and the Max Planck Institute. This offers a new platform for strengthening interdisciplinary and interfaculty initiatives.”
Many young researchers face an uncertain future. Fortunately, the dominant perspective on a scientist’s work is changing. Nowadays, a researcher isn’t just a publication machine. Modern scientists can also excel in teaching for example, shine in public outreach, or be an outstanding manager. “This should be accepted and recognized”, says Inti Brazil. “We hope to genuinely change the scientific culture, with its focus on research output and impact.”
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