#EntertheEquation Top Shelf Books Series presents:

Universities face a challenging period ahead. They are navigating the demands of a globally-oriented student, rapid technological change, employers who expect work‑ready graduates, and shifting ideologies that influence who holds and creates knowledge. As a result, the role of the university as a civic institution is increasingly contested. This raises a key question: how can, and should, universities engage with communities to create lasting social impact?

Together with co‑editors Kush May‑Chahal and Floor Mijland, Saskia Postema set out to capture international perspectives on community–university engagement. Their book, Community-University Engagement and Praxis: Knocking on the Door of the Ivory Tower (Policy Press, 2025), highlights innovative approaches to co‑production, participatory research and collaboration with partners beyond academia. It explores both the challenges and the successes of these forms of partnership and clarifies the university’s role beyond teaching by positioning it as an anchor institution that can support social change.

During this conversation, the co‑editors will discuss how the book came together. They will share new observations that emerged during the process, as well as the questions that continue to shape the field of community–university engagement. This event is part of the Enter the Equation spring programme of the TU Delft Library. Light lunch provided.

Speakers:

Saskia Postema is Project Manager Challenge-Based Education at Delft University of Technology. She is experienced in education innovation, particularly promoting transdisciplinary, cross-boundary education and civic engagement.

Floor Mijland is a teacher, researcher and maker in spaces between different disciplines in the Netherlands. Her interests include interdisciplinarity, and connecting people, knowledges and experiences with HEI and communities.

Kush May-Chahal is Director of Training Services, Stop Hate UK and formerly Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham City University. His research, training and knowledge exchange activities include community engagement, hate crime and equality, diversity and inclusion.

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Host or Publisher TU Delft Library