Critique of the University: On Current Challenges for Research and Teaching and Possible Solutions

The university, as one of the oldest and most enduring institutions, plays a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges in today's complex world. A successful functioning of the institution, however, is contingent upon robust research processes, which are currently hindered by numerous internal issues. These challenges necessitate a critical examination from various disciplinary perspectives to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of scientific endeavors. Recent studies have highlighted pressing concerns within academic organizations, such as the precarious conditions faced by young academics and the underutilization of innovative potential. Despite ongoing efforts to address these issues, there remains a significant gap in understanding the intricate interplay between social and functional aspects of academic life. This underscores the need for a comprehensive critique of the university system to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary demands.

This Research Topic aims to explore the current challenges faced by universities and propose viable solutions. It seeks to answer critical questions regarding the organizational, institutional, and evaluative aspects of academia, while also examining the consistency, transformation, impact, and equality issues that pervade the system. By fostering a multi-disciplinary dialogue, the Topic aims to identify and test hypotheses that can lead to meaningful improvements in academic processes.

The Topic Editors welcome submissions on any of the following themes:

• organizational issues, such as quality management of research and teaching
• institutional issues, including contemporary forms of employment and funding
• evaluation issues, focusing on criteria design for hiring, promotion, or projects
• consistency issues, like the 'replication crisis' of research findings
• transformation issues, such as the implementation of digital technologies
• impact issues, including political recognition of climate change research results
• equality issues, addressing discrimination and biases
• possible ameliorations, mitigations, or solutions.

This Research Topic invites contributions from all disciplines, with a particular emphasis on sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, cultural studies, psychology, and philosophy, to foster a comprehensive critique and enhancement of academic processes.

Keywords: academic organization, teaching, University, institutions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.