The University of Iceland supports academic staff in public outreach

The University of Iceland advertises new grants to support academic staff in public outreach and active participation in society based on their research and specialist knowledge.

The decision is made in connection with a review of the evaluation system for academic staff, and stipulations in the strategy of the University of Iceland regarding active participation in society and industry. By this the University recognises and commits to the fact that engagement and collaboration with people in wider society, outside academic circles, is an important part of University operations so it is important to give staff scope to do such work in connection with their research and knowledge mediation. This, furthermore, facilitates the use of research and expert knowledge at the University in decisions relating to policy making.

Active participation in society and industry is one of the cornerstones of the current Strategy of the University of Iceland, ensuring that the University's work has a wide impact. The University has for years emphasised the importance of communicating research results and innovation to the public as well as the importance of science for Icelandic society in its projects for people of all ages. With this added contribution, the University wishes to further support the utilisation of the expert knowledge of University staff in tackling current challenges and dire social issues.

Academic staff in full-time positions with research duties at all five of the University's schools can apply for grants in this field, and the following work is generally eligible for funding:

• Serving on a government committee, or serving as an expert on a temporary, specific project.
• Consulting work or policy making for the government, professional associations or organisations.
• Extensive dissemination of educational or informative material for the public, either in the broadcast media or published in printed or digital format.
• Preparation and organisation of any events that bring together different stakeholders in a specific field.

Each grant may be a sum between ISK 0.5 and 1.5 million krona.

The grants will generally be allocated once a year and for the first time this summer.

The application deadline this year is 29 May 2020.

Further information on the grants can be found on the University's intra web, Ugla.