LERU: SSH research “vital to innovative and resilient Europe”

The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has described Social Science and Humanities (SSH) research as being “vital” to the future of Europe.

The association made the statement in a new advice paper that suggests ways in which SSH research can be properly represented in Horizon 2020. LERU argues that SSH research is essential if Europe and the world are to solve the major societal challenges, with LERU describing SSH research “as important as natural-scientific and technological breakthroughs”. The report says that SSH should be considered from the start of research projects as opposed to being an “add-on” during investigative study.

Key recommendations include properly considering socio-psychological factors to encourage an ageing population to remain physically active and healthy, taking into account influences on public opinion and the role of the arts and media in order to help reduce energy consumption. The advice paper adds that peoples’ everyday habits, beliefs, working and commuting routines should be considered from a social and psychological perspective to help devise smarter and greener transport systems.

The paper also considers how ethical issues should be addressed in Horizon 2020’s Societal Challenges pillar as well as across the other areas of the research and innovation framework programme.

The ‘Horizons for Social Sciences and Humanities’ conference, which focuses on the role SSH will play in Horizon 2020, begins today in Vilnius as part of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

You can view the advice paper in full here.