Global Citizenship
Understand your place in the world as a researcher
- What is global citizenship?
- Why is global citizenship important?
- How can you improve your understanding of global citizenship?
Learn about the importance of global citizenship
Researchers have the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Read our guide below to learn how you can harness your skills to be a global citizen and use your research as a force for good.
What is global citizenship?
The concept of citizenship contains several ideas:
- The rights or entitlements of individuals
- Belonging to/membership of a community
- Corresponding responsibilities, obligations and/or duties.
The definition of citizenship within higher education (HE) refers to the contribution an individual makes to, or on behalf of, their institution. This can include activities such as:
- Sitting on committees
- Mentoring colleagues
- Organising public engagement events
These events are not directly related to the individual’s research but by participating in them, they bring additional benefit to others.
Researchers are global citizens acting in a globally connected world, and as such can make impactful contributions.
Why is global citizenship important?
- We live in globally connected societies, so we are all global citizens.
- Despite the advancement of many societies, many still fall behind in terms of poverty, inequality, scarce resources, and injustices.
- Global citizenship invites researchers to respond to these challenges – it places the researcher as a practitioner, and centres on research in practice.
- Research centres on knowledge – so by definition, researchers have the potential to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world. This process is one of turning knowledge into action.
- Global citizenship is more of an attitude or mindset than a skill towards others and the wider environment.
- We can all aim to ensure that our working practices are more sustainable and socially, culturally, environmentally and economically more responsible, and to be aware of the impact we have on others.
How can you improve your understanding of global citizenship?
Increase your knowledge and understanding of global issues:
Keep up to date with current and world affairs, and global markets. Sign up to reputable newsletters so you can receive weekly news information. News related to education is particularly relevant.
Identify and learn about emerging issues and trends, and how these might affect your research, or how your research could impact them.
Familiarise yourself with global policy initiatives – see the helpful links section below for more information on these.
Seek out topic areas that have a global reach and which could be a fit for your research, or which your research could impact or influence the policy agenda.
Use your knowledge of internationalisation to add this into the curriculum in your discipline/institution, and so to benefit the knowledge of others.
Enhance your skills and behaviours:
Recognise your responsibilities as a researcher and find ways to expand your skillset and influence.
Review your level of ‘global competence’ – for instance, how much do you champion diversity? Can you adapt to new ways of working? Can you assess your ability to impact others and respond to challenges?
Attend such training as cultural awareness and diversity training to develop your learning in these areas.
It’s good to learn another language that is not your native language – this broadens your perspective on the world and opens new opportunities.
Seek out and cultivate global connections – ensure your online presence is professional and of benefit in developing your network. You could start a blog, form collaborations with communities to solve global challenges, or investigate working abroad.
Cultivate a global outlook and disposition:
Respect others and learn from them – create a safe space for researchers where everyone can discuss their interests and challenges.
Challenge any discrimination, inequality, intolerance, injustice and ignorance anywhere you encounter it, whether this be your peers, your department, your subject area or the wider community.
Meet the needs of your research users, national and international, and reflect on whether you are using resources effectively on a global basis.
Inform and engage others – this could take the form of local charity work, online mentoring, pro-bono consultancy or advocacy. Consider holding a debate or discussion in your department on the topic of global citizenship, or on related subjects of global impact and the global implications for research.
Become and advocate and a role model – move away from thought into action, by getting involved.
Final takeaways
- The definition of citizenship within higher education (HE) refers to the contribution an individual makes to, or on behalf of, their institution.
- Research centres on knowledge – so by definition, researchers have the potential to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world. This process is one of turning knowledge into action.
- Review your level of ‘global competence’ – for instance, how much do you champion diversity? Can you adapt to new ways of working? Can you assess your ability to impact others and respond to challenges?