The Third Mission of the University: Sociology in the Face of Contemporary Social Practice Challenges

Contemporary universities are no longer confined solely to educational and research functions—they are increasingly engaging in the active co-creation of social life. The “third mission” of higher education institutions involves transcending traditional academic boundaries and undertaking initiatives that have a direct impact on social, economic, and cultural development. In this context, sociology—as a discipline that analyzes social structures, the dynamics of social processes, and the functioning of institutions—plays a fundamental role in shaping these transformations. Thanks to its capacity for critical analysis and diagnosis, sociology offers invaluable tools for fulfilling the third mission, linking academic knowledge with social practice.

We have invited scholars who apply sociological tools and methods in activities directed at broad social groups, institutions, and organizations. This session will be devoted to exploring the roles of sociology within the university’s third mission, as well as the significance of open science and citizen science as contemporary forms of public engagement. We will reflect on how sociological research and projects can contribute to addressing the challenges of modern societies and how to build bridges between the academic world and real-world practice.