Need for ‘strategic approach’ in humanities

Universiteis and faculties are failing to approach humanities research with the necessary strategic view, a report has found.

There is not enough systematic support for early-career researchers and administrative support for academics applying for external research funding, a report commissioned by the Research Council of Norway has found. It evaluated the state of humanities in Norway and was published on 23 June.

The report found that humanities research receives adequate funding. Norway produces internationally leading work in several areas and publication volume has increased in the past decade. Research quality and productivity has also improved, the report found. But even though the report discovered “pockets of excellence” in most areas, no group or institution reached the highest level of international performance.