Socially Engaged Research in Life Sciences: From Stakeholder Collaboration to Real-World Impact
On March 13–14, 2025, early-career researchers from across Europe and beyond came together for the International Spring School for Early Career Researchers in Life Sciences, exploring the theme “Socially Engaged Research in Life Sciences: From Stakeholder Collaboration to Real-World Impact.”
This free, fully online event offered participants a unique opportunity to dive into the core principles and practical applications of socially engaged research. Through interactive sessions, participants learned how to align their scientific work with societal needs by engaging meaningfully with stakeholders and navigating real-world challenges.
The program introduced essential concepts of socially engaged research, including stakeholder expectations, ethical considerations, and practical tools to support implementation. A highlight of the two-day event was the hands-on exploration of two key tools from the Academic Bridge toolkit, alongside a session on the Self-evaluation tool, all of which were new to most attendees and sparked valuable discussion. With 39 participants, the event fostered a lively exchange of ideas. The positive energy and engagement during the sessions highlighted the official positive feedback of a highly successful experience. The Spring School reinforced the critical role of early-career researchers in shaping a more inclusive, collaborative future for life sciences—where research not only advances knowledge but also delivers real-world impact.
