Academics challenged to take research beyond campus

(From left) Presenters Andrew Eastman, Janive Small, Lisa Drakes, Summer Sealy, and lecturer Dr Ankie Scott-Joseph. (Contributed Photo) Economics Professor Troy Lorde is urging academics and emerging researchers to take their expertise beyond the walls of The University of the West Indies and engage more directly with communities across Barbados. Speaking on the sidelines of the Cave Hill campus’ Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) Graduate Symposium on Friday at the V. Eudine Barriteau Complex, Lorde said scholars have a responsibility to contribute to public conversations and help shape national discussions. “It’s incumbent upon faculty, academics and our young researchers to take on this mantle, which is to say we have to speak truth to power,” said Lorde, dean of the FSS at the Cave Hill campus. “That is the responsibility of the Faculty of Social Sciences, I would say, to be the conscience of the university.” Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Troy Lorde. (Contributed Photo) The symposium, the faculty’s first in about 15 years, was once held annually before much of its research-sharing activity moved online. The dean said bringing back the event was important because it gave graduate students a chance to present their work, receive feedback and connect with fellow researchers and supervisors. “It fosters a community among our budding researchers, their supervisors and others who can discuss their research and provide that encouraging environment,” he said. You Might Be Interested In Ten graduate students presented research on issues ranging from economics and the Sustainable Development Goals to climate adaptation and social programme risk factors. Deputy Dean, Postgraduate Affairs and Research Dr Nadini Persaud.(Contributed Photo) The professor encouraged young researchers to have confidence in sharing their views. “We want persons to feel very confident in speaking, even in places where you believe, or where the perception is, that they know more than you or that they hold a higher post than you. Don’t let that discourage you from speaking your truth.” He also challenged researchers to engage more with the public through the media and other forums. “Even if you don’t have a column, I would say write a letter to the newspaper and share your opinions and perspectives based on your own knowledge, understanding and growing expertise,” Lorde said. While maintaining that university scholars already contribute to national discussions in a variety of ways, the dean acknowledged that many people still view universities as disconnected from the wider community. He added that there was some truth to the criticism because many university activities remain centred on campus. “I feel like the criticism has some legitimacy because, when we do things, it can feel as though we’re doing them for the choir. We put them on campus. Some things may go to the public, but I don’t know to what extent the public is really encouraged to come and participate.” Despite this, the dean said academics have a role to play in addressing perceptions that universities are disconnected from the wider community. “We can speak and try to share our knowledge, and perhaps we may start to address the criticism that we’re up on the Hill and don’t come down off the Hill, so to speak. We may start to see those perceptions change,” he added. (CW)