The art of engagement

Royal Holloway’s Engaged Humanities Lab aims to increase participation in challenge-led research

In the UK, the humanities seem to be out of favour with the government. While science, technology and engineering are regularly hailed as the answer to big societal challenges such as climate change and increasing digital living, humanities scholars hear warnings against so-called low-value degrees—mostly arts and humanities subjects.

But many feel that their research does impact these challenges and it should be noted that the Arts and Humanities Research Council has been very active in leading and participating in calls relating to the climate and ecological crises. Furthermore, arts and humanities research is often a snug fit with other priorities, such as the Civic University Network, and the drive to ensure research has more impact in society through collaborations with business and community groups.