Professor Julia Wittmayer awarded NWO Vidi grant for research on academia in transition

A call for answers

Climate disasters, the biodiversity crisis and growing injustice – as society increasingly faces these persistent 21st-century challenges, governments, businesses, and citizens are turning more often to academia for answers. Research on such complex issues requires that scientists leave  their ivory tower more often and engage in action-oriented, transdisciplinary research (i.e. research in practice and with practitioners).

But as it stands, academic systems are not well equipped for such research. Efforts to transform the scientific world are often blocked by existing rules and norms regarding research funding, and by dominant views on the role of scientists and science itself. This award signals that this gridlock is finally being taken seriously from within the university system.

A milestone for philosophical enrichment

The launch of the ‘Academia in Transition’ research project, made possible by NWO’s support, marks Professor Wittmayer’s first major milestone since her appointment in July 2025 as Professor of Transdisciplinarity and Societal Transformations at the Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil).

Dean Liesbeth Noordegraaf-Eelens remarks on the importance of this appointment: “Julia Wittmayer’s research is an inspiring example of how a leading scholar not only dares to question the position of academia, but also seeks to formulate alternatives. I look forward with great confidence to Julia’s contribution to ESPhil’s research and teaching.”

Within the Erasmus School of Philosophy, this appointment is more than a formal expansion of research on societal transitions – it signifies a philosophical enrichment of that research. Philosophy provides the space to examine the assumptions, values, and knowledge practices that shape and legitimise the scientific system.

By viewing the university not only as a producer of knowledge, but also as an active and responsible actor, Wittmayer explores the ethical, epistemological, and institutional conditions for science in times of climate crisis and social inequality. In doing so, her work strengthens ESPhil’s role as a place where thinking and doing, reflection and action, mutually reinforce one another.

Recognising the value of action research

There is no time to lose for the newly appointed professor and NWO Vidi laureate. Julia Wittmayer combines her professorship with a position as Senior Researcher at DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions). She will be able to draw directly on her extensive experience with action research gained there.

With this grant, she aims not only to encourage the academic community to collaborate more frequently with societal partners on practical solutions to urgent problems, but also to work together to transform the existing institutions that hinder such collaboration. This approach is fully aligned with Erasmus University Rotterdam’s Strategy 2030, which seeks “to understand contemporary, complex societal challenges and ensure that our education, research and engagement make a positive and sustainable contribution to solving them.“

Professor Wittmayer concludes: “With the NWO Vidi grant and the recognition it represents for my research avenue, I feel encouraged to combine a critical perspective with the social entrepreneurship and pragmatism of transition makers – and to bring that spirit into the university itself.”

About NWO Vidi
Vidi is an instrument within the NWO Talent Programme. The Vidi target group consists of researchers who are in the transition to leadership. They also possess academic qualities that clearly exceed what is usual and demonstrate development of leadership and mentoring qualities. The Vidi grant funds scientifically innovative research and gives researchers the opportunity to establish or expand a research group.

About ESPhil
Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) of Erasmus University Rotterdam is a leading research and teaching institution in the Netherlands. The faculty has a broad international orientation, with many international students and staff members and strong connections with universities abroad. Our research programmes are internationally leading in our field. We offer three Master programmes (the Master programme Philosophy Now, the Research Master Philosophy and Economics and the Master Societal Transitions together with DRIFT) and two Bachelor programmes (the BA Philosophy and the Philosophy of a Specific Discipline (second degree) programme. ESPhil enables students to become critical thinkers and engaged scholars by developing their academic skills and encouraging them to practice philosophy in multiple societal settings.

About DRIFT
The Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT) is a leading research institute in the field of transition science. Founded in 2004, it is one of the first organisations globally devoted to sustainability and justice transitions. The 40+ DRIFTers are here to help individuals and organisations explore fundamental change!

DRIFT is a social enterprise as part of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. As a social enterprise, the institute supports people, cities, companies and sectors striving for such change. We do so by developing and sharing transitions know-how and how-to through research, consultancy, education and activism! To learn more, go to drift.eur.nl.