Published on 09-04-2025, Last modified on 09-04-2025
SESSION 3: “Experiential knowledge in higher education: from recognition to structural anchoring”
SEMINAR SERIES THEMATIC GROUP
EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE IN HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
The thematic group on “Experiential Knowledge in Human Rights Education and Research” invites you to participate in a seminar series that continues our critical dialogue on epistemic injustice. Building on the insightful discussions from the 2024 kick-off meeting and the follow-up session in January 2025, this series will further explore how lived experiences of individuals in vulnerable conditions—those directly affected by human rights violations—can be meaningfully integrated into education, research, policy and practice.
During the seminar series we will examine the transformative role of experiential knowledge alongside scientific and practical insights. By centring the voices of those most impacted, we seek to challenge traditional power structures in knowledge production and education.
SESSION 3: 7/05 12:00 – 13:30
Experiential knowledge in higher education: from recognition to structural anchoring
The recognition of experiential knowledge within research and education is growing, but how can this knowledge be embedded sustainably in an academic context? In this session, Evelien shares insights from her work as a researcher in the Department of Special Needs Education (Ghent University) and as a coach at ‘Our New Future’, a movement of self-advocates with (intellectual) disabilities standing up for their rights and participation. She discusses how collaboration between researchers, lecturers, and experts by experience comes about and what structural challenges this poses. Using practical examples, she illustrates how experiential knowledge not only contributes to more inclusive education but also fosters a critical re-evaluation of who produces knowledge and is recognized as an expert.
Evelien De Maesschalck is a researcher in the Department of Special Needs Education at Ghent University and is involved in the Erasmus+ project SEKEHE, which focuses on the structural embedding of experiential knowledge in higher education through co-creation. She is also a coach and project worker at Our New Future.
REGISTRATION: https://event.ugent.be/registration/thematicgroup2
Practical: 7 of May, 12:00 – 13:30
Facutly Board Room, Campus Aula, Voldersstraat 3, 9000 Ghent