Academics’ dilemmas in addressing challenging societal issues in today’s higher education landscape

Abstract

The critical role of universities in addressing societal issues is considered particularly important nowadays, when our futures are being threatened by various forces. Given this context, this study aimed to gain an understanding of academics’ perceptions of their role in engaging with ongoing societal challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 academics, 14 female and 12 males, from three universities in Iceland. The findings revealed that academics see the university as a critical player in responding to societal challenges, yet their reflections underscore the complexities and tensions that this role entails. These include persistent tensions related to knowledge hierarchies and criticality, as well as complexities related to competition and the marketisation of research.