ABSTRACT

In most countries the social role of universities has a legal framework. The framework typically defines the role of universities to include education and research. Interaction with society is typically regarded as the third mission of universities. In interaction with society, the researcher is a key stakeholder. Researchers' approaches vary in this matter and influence their stakeholder status and subsequent rights/responsibilities. When discussing the rights and responsibilities of researchers in interaction with society, it is important to distinguish two modes of action: researchers as initiators of the contact or as responding to requests from society. Research evidence can and should influence how the laws are executed and how the less formal aspects of society carry out their functions. The public sector is likely to use, or it at least should use, research-based evidence as part of its decision-making as a hallmark of evidence-based policy.