Jargon alienates readers and increases confusion and conflict, particularly on issues of global concern. To address this problem, UNU-MERIT began work on a “jargon busting” glossary back in 2012. Now, having won a PREMIUM proposal from Maastricht University, it will turn this glossary into an app while partnering with other UNU institutes to expand its coverage.
As part of UNU’s mission to function as a bridge between academia, the United Nations and the general public, UNU institutes have developed tools to clarify key terminology. For example, UNU-MERIT’s glossary provides definitions of around 100 terms covering fields such as innovation, migration and environmental sustainability.
Now, with UNU-MERIT leading the pilot, UNU aims to broaden this effort with more of its institutes worldwide, making it available to researchers, students and the general public in the form of a free application for leading mobile platforms. Overall the project aims to:
- Build a first version of the mobile application for iOS and Android
- Update and expand the glossary with staff at UNU-MERIT and its School of Governance
- Broaden the glossary with input from UNU institutes around the world.
Within Maastricht University, PREMIUM targets top Master’s students who want to bridge the gap between study and career. Alongside their project work, which normally lasts for three months, students get intensive individual coaching and access to master classes and workshops. See the video below for more details.
PREMIUM VIDEO
MEDIA CREDITS
Flickr / J.Howie; Astanush; T.Moy