How do academics find their way into the rooms where decisions are made and policies are changed? And once they're there, how do they push for real change?

In this fourth episode of The Arena, we follow Lauren Gould and her colleagues as they try to use their research on civilian harm to navigate discussions with the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The goal? To push for more transparency and accountability in the military domain.

We also explore how scholars use Community Engaged Learning to teach students how to collaborate with societal partners and address global challenges. And reflect how universities do (not) adapt when societal issues unfold within their own walls. Featuring conversations with James Kennedy and Jolle Demmers, we dive into the challenges and possibilities of academic engagement in an uncertain world.

The show is written and produced by Isa Zoetbrood. The producers from Utrecht University are Lauren Gould and Saskia Stevens. This episode features Lauren Gould (Assistant Prof. in Conflict Studies), James Kennedy (Distinguished University Prof. in Community Engaged Learning), Paul Ziche (Prof. in History of Modern Philosophy) and Jolle Demmers (Prof. in Conflict Studies).