There are calls for better evaluation of the social relevance of research. Nowadays the universities of applied science have an extra mission; doing research that is relevant for professional practice. Universities and other research institutes work closely together with various stakeholders. Law and architecture are two areas in which there is a clear and direct link between research and practice. In other disciplines, notably the technical and social sciences, the link is far less distinct. Nevertheless, cooperation between researchers and stakeholders is no less important in these field.
Based on pilot studies in the fields of Law, Architecture, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, the ERiC project has resulted in a methodology whereby the social relevance of research can be assessed. A guide was published in March 2010. It complements the existing 'Standard Evaluation Protocol' for universities and research institutes, and the 'Protocol for Quality Management in Research' used by the universities of applied sciences.
ERiC is a joint project involving the Rathenau Institute, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO-raad).
