Evaluation: hopeful and pay attention to power redistribution

Evaluating this years third edition of the Recognize and Rewards festival, we generally make out hope and energy. We are hopeful because of the great interest, the wide range of relevant workshops and the encouraging sounds we heard about the content. We've got positive feedback on the fact that the Dutch government prioritizes R&R, and: 'I thought it was a really inspiring day where I was happy to see that non-traditional topics (e.g., inclusivity, early career academics) also received the attention they deserve,' summarized one participant on our evaluation form.

We also look back with admiration for the precious energy that was almost tangible during the various sessions, in the serious conversations and the drinks that lasted a nice long time.

Almost 30 people filled in our evaluation survey (you can still add your comments). Naturally, we also listen to the critical note participants gave us afterwards. The accessibility for disabled people needs to be improved from now on and although beautiful, the church was too cold "it would have been good if we were informed to bring a warm sweater or cardigan", according to some that applied to the workshop rooms too. Off course we also apologize (again) for the problems with the livestream in the morning.

Concerns about power redistribution
We have received some substantive comments that we take seriously. We are going to incorporate into the programme the complain that PhDs and teaching are needed to be heard better.

One comment that recurred was about the still underrepresented and traditionally excluded voice: 'My concern after this day is that the whole R&R movement is not paying enough attention to power redistribution. The 'winners' of the old system are designing the new one. This is really problematic. (...) I hope the knowledge and expertise of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) will soon be involved, at least to help assess the risks of the new plans, and that people that left the academic system or never entered it are involved to reshape the way the system works for all talent, because that will teach us the most about the real change that is needed.'

There was also a desire to ‘involve the skeptics a bit more’ because ‘it was a bit too much a happy and good news show’. We take these comments to heart, optimistically and with the understanding that our work will endure for some years. Or, like a participant noted: 'There is momentum for change and progress is being made, but there is a lot of work ahead of us to implement reform.'