Research and the public
RVS Spring course 2026 is held May 28 and 29, hosted by University College Stockholm and MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society. Venue: EHS, Stockholm.
For updated and precise information about the course: See the RVS Canvas pages (access for RVS members and academic staff).
About the theme
The RVS spring course Research and the Public explores the role of researchers in society and the public sphere. The course addresses how academic knowledge can be communicated beyond academia and how researchers may engage responsibly in public debates. Key themes include identifying different research publics, ethical challenges in studying vulnerable and powerful groups, and the implications of researching controversial topics in polarized times. Through lectures, discussions, and workshops, participants examine researcher identity across academic and public practices. The course offers a focused opportunity for participants to reflect and develop practical skills for engaging with the public as academics.