Rejuvenating the Contract of Academia With Society

TL;DR

This paper advocates for academia to improve public communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, relevant education, and mentorship to better serve society and foster innovation.

Contribution

It proposes specific reforms in academic communication, interdisciplinary work, curriculum relevance, and mentorship to strengthen societal engagement and innovation.

Findings

Enhanced public understanding through truthful communication.

Interdisciplinary approaches foster innovation.

Curricula aligned with current job market skills.

Abstract

Academia owes the public a fresh look at its education and research mission. First and foremost, researchers must communicate the results of their latest studies in a truthful and meaningful way. Second, the traditional boundaries among disciplines should be blurred since innovation often blossoms along these boundaries. Third, universities should develop courses which are relevant for the skills required in the job market today. Finally, professors should mentor the future leaders of science, technology, arts and humanities and not just replicate themselves.