Engaging in “Third Mission” Otherwise: The Academic Profession in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Higher education institutions face external pressures due to societal macro changes; notably in universities the rise of the knowledge society, leading academics to increase third mission activities. However, academics are not passive recipients of commercial rationalities imposed on universities. They grapple with pressures like the "third mission," encompassing knowledge transfer, community engagement and innovation. The growing acknowledgment of social sciences and humanities in fulfilling this mission prompts reflection on how academics in these fields traditionally and currently engage with society. Yet, there is scant empirical evidence illustrating the specific engagement of academics from these areas and its implications for societal impact.

By using three examples that have attracted public attention in the Portuguese society over the past few years, we aim to illustrate how social science and humanities scholars engage intensively in public debates (i.e., in favour or against social change), which depicts the multifaceted impact of such disciplines on communities, public policy, cultural understanding and ethical considerations.

In illustrating these cases, we argue that academics in social science and humanities play an active role in shaping external environments, influencing policies, and challenging dominant discourses about science and university. An awareness about their ability to shape the public opinion seems key in this process, while this requires facing demands for particular perspectives or the avoidance of controversial topics. This suggests that the extent to which academics resist these pressures may depend on their individual commitment to academic freedom as well as the perceived importance of their message.