Excellence

Abstract

‘Excellence’ is a word that is used in academic and political discourses both as an unquestionable (and unquestioned) goal, as well as an undefinable standard against which academics and their work are assessed. This chapter seeks to ask some of the questions – and tease apart some of the underlying assumptions – that are encased in the ubiquitous use of the term. Ultimately, it shows that ‘excellence’ is based upon a so-called neutral standard that is in fact anything but, as it favours a default Western (and white, male, cis, hetero, able-bodied) persona and methods. In this way, the notion of ‘excellence’ as it is currently used and (mis)understood is a challenge to diversity and equality. Moreover, it bars the way for innovative and interdisciplinary methodologies, thus favouring low-risk research and perpetuating existing inequalities.