954052_Science 3/15/04 09:48 Pagina 3 Shops

Foreword

here are more scientists in the world corridors of the research community for The European Union is not just about insti- T today than ever before and we depend science to better serve the citizen. However, tution building and bringing Member States on science and its applications in almost in order to serve the community, science closer together, it is also about bringing every aspect of our lives, yet we do not needs to get closer to it. closer to its citizens. Consequently, always appreciate how intimately it affects There is still a long way to go but, in recent its research programmes are keen to each of us. years, science has slowly but surely started promote partnerships and knowledge for Although researchers are successfully inte- to engage in a dialogue with society and to living. grating their efforts at a European and even respond to its needs. Scientists are keener Recognising the crucial role science shops global level to address the increasing com- than ever to communicate their ideas in a play in the local community in raising scien- plexity of scientific inquiry, there appears to way that others can understand, and there tific access and awareness, the European be a yawning gap between science and is an increasing willingness to listen to the Commission has been helping this move- society at large. world beyond the research community. ment evolve and reach critical mass. Many people see scientists as inhabitants of In the coming pages, you will learn more By cutting away the layers separating a strange parallel world that bears little about dedicated and tireless researchers science and society, science shops are resemblance to their own. This is reflected who have set up shop directly within the helping to pave the way towards ‘science for in the EU-wide Eurobarometer surveys in community as part of grass-roots research society’ and ‘society for science’. which nearly half of Europeans claim they organisations known as ‘science shops’, feel neither interested in nor informed about which answer the scientific requirements science. of local citizens and NGOs and help create There is a growing feeling that scientific an awareness of society’s needs. research is aimed at abstract knowledge or This brochure also explores other local com- Rainer Gerold profit and not sufficiently geared towards munity organisations that complement the Science and Society Director the needs and concerns of society. Calls are work of science shops and are candidates Research Directorate-General ringing out across society and in the for valuable future partnerships. European Commission

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Science Shops

own research needs which conventional channels may not necessarily be able to Community service meet. This makes these non-profit research bodies an important interface in meeting the In the three decades since they first emerged, science shops have increasing social demand for knowledge. spread beyond the shores of Europe to become an international Despite their global reach, science shops are phenomenon that is firmly rooted in the local community and, essentially local organisations, working most importantly, serving local needs. within local conditions to serve local needs. In finding solutions to grass-roots problems, cience shops stand at the junction where staff, they aimed to increase the influence of they cut across social, disciplinary and gen- Sscience meets society, and deal with civil society within academic circles and to der divides. practical problems – for example, pro- forge better links between citizen groups and Although this makes for a wide spectrum of tecting local jobs by investigating ways for a scientists, such as working on soil pollution. approaches, science shops have consistently factory to comply with pollution standards, Within ten years, the idea had spread right been found to be a very cost-effective or finding technological solutions to help across the country from its cradle in Utrecht method of giving society access to research. disabled people live independent lives. and Amsterdam where it had started out as Today, science shops can be found in more a simple cardboard box for posting ques- The European dimension than a dozen countries. , , tions. Every single university in the With the help of the European Commission, , France, , the , Netherlands set up one or more science science shops have managed to organise , Spain and the are shops as university departments with both themselves into a Europe-based global net- among the European countries which have paid and volunteer staff. By 1990, the coun- work through which they can share research, taken up the concept. Canada, Israel and the try had almost 40 of them. know-how and expertise. United States count among the non- Inspired by the Dutch experience, science Not only has this enabled them to make the European countries that have developed shops and similar structures sprouted up in most of scarce research capacity, but it has similar structures. other countries in two main waves: the first also helped new science shops to emerge. In in the late 1970s and the second in the 1990s. addition, international networks of science Full of youth spirit As the idea spread, it changed and evolved shops may influence the research agenda The science shop concept began life in the to fit local conditions and needs. itself by conveying the needs of society to student movement and counter-culture of the scientific community. the early 1970s when a group of Dutch Local mandates As a result of this renewed momentum, sci- chemistry students decided to put their The spread of science shops not only high- ence shops are scarcely able to keep up with brains together to help non-profit clients lights their success in serving the community demand, and some shops are only able to 4 solve scientific problems. Aided by university but also underscores that civil society has its handle a third of the requests they receive. 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:48 Pagina 5

Science Shops

exists. If they find the information, they com- municate it to their client; otherwise they Behind the counter may carry out the research or have it carried out on the client’s behalf. Science shops are as diverse as the communities with International networking – under the EU- which they work. Although they are spread across the backed ISSNET – facilitates exchange of globe, they are not chain stores with one standard format. information and expertise between science In fact, they are not really shops at all. shops. At the end of the process, the know- ledge generated is geared to the require- ments of civil society. This can take the form wo common elements they all share are mediators linking up civil society and scien- of new or recombined knowledge. But the Tthat they serve ‘clients’ from civil society tists. Science shops use the word science in role of science shops does not end there. or the local community, and they do not aim its broadest sense. They help citizens and NGOs – their cus- to make a profit. Most provide their services Their activities cover such disciplines as the tomers – make the maximum use of the free of charge and some for a nominal fee to social and human , as well as results. help cover expenses. physics, engineering, chemistry and biology. As science shops have grown, they have “Science shops exist in a wide range of In order to respond to the complex social become more mainstream. They are becom- shapes and sizes, but they share a common demands placed on them, research con- ing increasingly networked and work more desire to extend research support to socially ducted by science shops often cuts across closely with the research and political estab- marginalised groups,” explains a special EU traditional academic boundaries. lishments. Since the 1970s, they have 1 report on the subject . To keep costs down, One key element distinguishing science focused their efforts on a range of social and most rely on volunteer researchers and have shops from other knowledge transfer mech- humanitarian issues. They carry out research only a small skeleton staff of paid employees. anisms is their bottom-up approach. They into areas such as measuring the effects of University-based science shops usually are built around the concept of participation. air and noise pollution, as well as investigat- award credit points to those students who Their role is to contribute to identifying civil ing social and environmental problems. perform the research as part of their society’s needs for expertise and knowledge, In addition to their research role, science academic studies. and together find the best way to respond to shops sometimes organise special training Despite there being no one model, science them. and educational programmes for civil society shops can be categorised according to how organisations or the local community. they are set up (university-based or sep- Customising knowledge arate NGOs) or their function, whether they Science shops typically receive a particular 1 Study and conference on improving public access to science through science shop (SCIPAS). conduct original, independent research and request for knowledge from a ‘client’. They To read the report, go to 5 provide expertise themselves, or act as carry out an audit to see if the information http://www.scienceshops.org/reports.html 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:48 Pagina 6

Science Shops

Science shops in action

Each individual science shop is unique and differs from one country to another. This section profiles a number of science shops and other community structures in different settings as a sample of the range of work they do and the diversity of approaches they employ.

Queen’s community service projects for more than 200 community Margaret Gallagher of Foyle Women's Aid, n the 15 years since it was founded, the organisations drawing on the talents of which commissioned the research, praised Iscience shop at Queen’s University Belfast some 300 student researchers. the outcome: “We were delighted with the (UK) has become firmly rooted, providing The science shop carries out research into a work. Without this resource, we could not the university with a link to the surrounding broad range of subjects in both the pure sci- have carried out the research which is vital community. In recognition of this important ences and the humanities. These include both for our own development and for role, the university took over funding of the social, psychological, health, legal, environ- allowing us to seek funding for future science shop from the Nuffield Foundation, mental, IT, artistic, business and local history training.” a charitable trust, in 1995. studies. Another recent project focused on social Gerry McCormac, who took up this import- In addition to delivering valuable research to isolation among elderly men. Olaf Hvattum ant post, believes that: “The science shop community organisations free of charge, of North Belfast Senior Citizens Forum felt plays a key role in ensuring that the univer- “This type of work is very beneficial to stu- that the finished study “brought fresh per- sity is properly connected to the wider dents, not only allowing them to use their spectives to the thorny problem of how to community. It uses university resources to skills to benefit their community, but also include older, isolated men in our work”. help meet the needs of community and vol- enabling them to further develop and build For its part, the science shop at Queen’s untary organisations across Northern on those skills,” explains Karen Trew, a psy- University Belfast insists that it will continue Ireland.” chology professor closely involved with the to drive home the message to its community The expansion of its operations – another science shop. partners that they are not alone. branch was opened at Ulster University in One recent project Dr Trew supervised 1996 – pays testimony to just how well the assessed the effectiveness of training science shop has succeeded in fulfilling its courses given to statuary workers who came mission. In the past five years alone, the into contact with victims of domestic vio- 6 shop has worked on over 400 research lence. Î 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:48 Pagina 7

Academics and representatives of grass-roots organisations meet in Seville to discuss future co-operation.

Improving life in the city “This has allowed local green associations to to non-profit organisa- Although science shops are a fairly new and be involved in the debate on the environ- tions. “They realise relatively unknown concept in Spain, Seville mental future of the city,” says Rojo. research projects, re- has two such facilities working actively to Arquitectura y Compromiso Social works trieve literature from improve life in the Andalusian capital: a pri- with NGOs to improve the quality of life in databases, organise vate one, Pax Mediterranea, and a univer- less-privileged areas of Seville through cre- workshops, provide sity-based one, Arquitectura y Compromiso ative architectural and civil engineering solu- expert opinions and Social. tions. Its work included an architectural advise in matters Pax Mediterranea, an independent organisa- study for a local gypsy community. of research,” notes tion, is what its organisers call a ‘part-time’ The organisation, which is located in the Christine Urban, a science shop. This is because the organisa- University of Seville’s Technical Architecture member of the Science Shop Vienna team. tion carries out consultancy work in addition School, also carries out neighbourhood Although the centre’s full-time researchers to the more regular research activities asso- training projects and is helping to organise specialise in the humanities and the social ciated with science shops. master’s programmes in research and sciences, other experts can be called in Pax Mediterranea is an example of a com- participatory action. “We create educational when necessary. munity-based research concept with “a busi- experiences for [students who] become To be close to the NGOs it serves, the sci- ness twist”, explains Alain Labatut, project aware of their professional responsibilities ence shop’s offices are in a well-known manager at Pax Mediterranea. “This gives and different clients’ needs,” explains Esteban Viennese social and cultural centre located NGOs a greater sense of confidence when it de Manuel, a professor of architecture. in what was once a locomotive factory. And, comes to soliciting advice.” Although the science shop enjoys good ties according to a recent independent evalua- “[NGOs] can feel they are treated like any with the university, it is currently working tion, the Vienna shop has been right on track other client by a consultancy firm, only towards full recognition in the university’s with its activities and has achieved its goals they'll need less money for the same work,” charter so that students can engage in its with “outstanding efficiency”. adds Teresa Rojo, Pax Mediterranea’s research activities as part of their curricula. Team member Michael Strähle says that his director. science shop’s grass-roots connections Pax Mediterranea’s clients have included a Early-warning signals “give early-warning signals of upcoming number of local environmental organisa- Science Shop Vienna is one of four such issues” and have helped it to pioneer lines of tions working to find out what city dwellers’ institutions in Austria, each of which has its research which are later adopted by larger expectations were regarding solutions to own areas of expertise. The Vienna shop is institutions. Seville’s environmental challenges. unusual in that it does not rely on students One such example was the case of a single With the help of the University of Seville, for the vast majority of its research activity, mother who was on the verge of giving up the independent science shop was able to but employs professional researchers. her university studies because she could employ a participatory approach to formu- It has three dedicated researchers on its staff not reconcile the demands of her curriculum late ecology plans for the bustling town. who offer a wide range of research services with the needs of her baby. This prompted Î 7 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:48 Pagina 8

the science shop to launch an investigation The science shops act as civil society’s observes Jørgen Martinus, CEEC’s waste into the conditions of single mothers at ‘open door’ to university research facilities. management consultant. Like most science Viennese universities. They focus primarily on supporting co- shops around the world, Danish ones are “The research showed that extended child- operation between citizens, community no exception in tapping into volunteer work. care facilities, extended financial support, organisations, NGOs and universities. The “[Most] of the research projects are carried and adapted schedules at universities are Danish science shops deal mainly with out by students as part of their curricula,” necessary to meet the needs of student environmental and social queries from civil notes Jørgensen. [mothers],“ team member Regina Reimer society, which they investigate free of Although universities pay for the infrastruc- adds. These findings led the government to charge. ture, the science shops’ main asset is the take action to improve the situation of single “The knowledge needs of the clients fall typ- “time which the students and their super- student mothers and have sparked a string ically within analyses of social and environ- visors contribute,” he adds. of related research across the country. mental problems experienced by citizens, and analyses and further development of Enterprising mediation Opening science’s door citizens’ initiatives for better social welfare The Bonn Science Shop has operated for Denmark’s science shop experience began and a more sustainable development,” the past two decades as an independent nearly two decades ago in 1985. Today, explains Michael Jørgensen who heads up organisation in the former West German there are three shops at the Technical the science shop at the Technical University. capital. Established in 1984 by environmen- University of Denmark, Roskilde University Among the network’s recent successes have tally concerned students, it quickly grew into and the University of Copenhagen. been projects to help disabled people lead a professional centre promoting citizen more fulfilling and empowered lives and to involvement in knowledge transfer. improve the quality of urban life through With a staff of 25, the Bonn Science Shop developing better waste management focuses on civil society and sustainability, systems in residential areas. environment and health, as well as the

© Lisl Ponger One happy customer was the Copenhagen labour market. It co-operates with NGOs, Energy and Environment Centre (CEEC), universities and government authorities which has spawned three science shop both within and outside the city. research projects into local waste separation The Bonn Science Shop does not receive in the last three years. any permanent subsidies or financial sup- “We have got valuable feedback about how port. In addition to grants for specific pro- the waste separation works in practice and jects, the core of its work is funded by the how it can be improved: knowledge which income from publications and paid services, [will be] a great help in the future implemen- as well as through the training activities 8 tation of waste management systems,” offered by its education centre. 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 9

NEW SCIENTIFIC AVENUES European Collaborative for Science, Interactivity is the buzzword at Industry and Technology Exhibitions CCSTI-Grenoble. “The public The Città della Scienza aims to (ECSITE), and works to boost scientific should be able to experiment with promote a culture of science and awareness and culture in the the latest technologies,” innovation in the south of Italy surrounding community. The local Chicoineau insists. The centre (Naples). It also endeavours to find and community views it as a debating organises interactive exhibitions, propose “new roads” to development. forum where civil society can meet workshops on scientific discovery, Città della Scienza’s operations are policy-makers and the scientific and public meetings with scientists divided into two main divisions: a community to discuss contemporary and researchers. Among its flagship Science Centre and a Business issues. events are the Festival of Science Innovation Centre. and the Festival of the Internet. The Business Innovation Centre “Another strong concern of CCSTI- promotes innovation, entrepreneurship Grenoble lies in the promotion of and sustainable development through scientific and technological careers for The Grenoble CCSTI organised a robotics supporting the start-up and growth of young people,” Chicoineau points out. workshop, the products of innovative enterprises in the SCIENTIFIC CULTURE CLUBS The centre’s efforts to spark the which were displayed in the city's main museum. community. It also campaigns for the scientific curiosity of the young participation of civil society in the Almost a quarter of a century ago, include assisting them in producing decision-making process. some local universities, research their own science projects, as well as The Science Centre is a member of the centres and authorities in France inviting leading scientists to step into launched an initiative that they hoped the classroom and speak in the public would help bolster flagging public squares throughout the scenic alpine interest in science and instil it into the town. popular culture. CCSTI has extended its traditional In 1979, the first Centre de Culture target audience of civil society to Scientifique Technique & Industrielle encompass the scientific community, (CCSTI) was set up in Grenoble. Today, promoting a two-way flow between there are more than 30 such centres the two groups. ”Traditionally, we have across the length and breadth of focused on public understanding of France. “Our principal mission is to science. Today, we are also working on promote a technical and industrial the reverse: promoting scientists’ scientific culture among the general understanding of the public – which is public,” says Laurent Chicoineau, the also a concern shared by science director-general of CCSTI-Grenoble. shops.” 9 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 10

Science Shops

Talking shops

Winning political recognition

Science shops have acquired a good reputation and have won some influential supporters. They have attracted growing interest from local, regional and national governments, all of which appreciate the important role these organisations play in ensuring that science better serves the community.

n a knowledge society that aims to be A growing number of local officials regard help promote a culture of science. “I more than a knowledge economy, sci- science shops as being good for their towns “Innovation has been the foundation of our ence shops have a special place,” explains and regions. “The City of Vienna (AT) has development for more than a century. [It] is Maria van der Hoeven, Dutch Minister of initiated a huge number of actions to safe- not only technological but it is also societal,” Education, Culture and Science. The Dutch guard intellectual capital,” says the mayor of notes Michel Destot, the mayor of Grenoble minister is a particular admirer of the the Austrian capital, Michael Häupl. “Science (FR), adding that these organisations help “unique bottom-up approach” of science Shop Vienna contributes to the fact that [the “spread a true science and innovation shops. city] is not only a capital of culture but also culture”. “By supporting citizens in their quest for a colourful capital of science and research.” “This makes it possible to meet the chal- knowledge, people are given more possi- “The Science Shop Vienna is an important lenge of building a knowledge society… and bilities to take responsibility for shaping their institution whose work constantly oscillates to support the development of responsible own life and their living environment,” she between the generation and the dissemin- science, close to the citizen and shared by all says. “Citizens' demands for knowledge also ation of knowledge,” explains Hubert Christian of us,” he adds. provide an important input for research Ehalt, Head of Vienna’s Department of that complements other scientific or Science and Research. commercially-driven ways of finding Science shops and other similar structures 10 research topics.” are also seen as engines of creativity that Î 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 11

Divining the future are the best ambassadors for S&T because Science shops are finding strength in num- they are altruistic,” insists Jan Staman, ber. The closer networking and integration of director of the Rathenau Insitute (NL). “They their activities is paving the way to a bright are also an extremely effective way of learn- future. “As science shops become stronger ing about people’s problems and finding © Guy Ackermans organisations, they can improve the quality ways of solving them.” of their work,” says Caspar De Bok, The future role of the EU will be to continue co-ordinator of Improving Science Shop its efforts to lay the groundwork to help sci- Networking (ISSNET), an international net- ence shops operate more effectively. “EU work run by a consortium of 13 community- support is essential in facilitating [cross-bor- based research organisations from nine der] co-operation between science shops,” countries. De Bok notes. “The EU should not support “Other scientists often look at science shops individual projects at local level, that’s too ad as something not entirely scientific or ser- hoc. It should be supporting infrastructure ious. We need to address the issue that, just projects between science shops.” because research does not always appear in One of the aims of promoting networking peer-reviewed journals, it doesn’t mean it’s will be to reach synergy and create comple- less important,” De Bok adds. mentary links between existing and new The research community has good reason networks, such as between networks of to sit up and take note of the important role science shops and, for instance, science of science shops in society. “Science shops museums.

The Dutch Underwater Sports Association called upon the services of the Wageningen science shop to help improve water quality in a recreational lake used by divers. 11 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 12

Science Shops

The rewards of community work

Enthusiasm and motivation are key drivers of science shops. Researchers say they are drawn to science shops for the enriching experience of working close to the community.

was certain that I did not have the Céline Darmon, who volunteered at the the capacity of a science shop... Moreover, “Iambition to work at a laboratory – I pre- CCSTI in Grenoble (FR) while she was work- it offers students a unique learning experi- ferred a job that was more directly relevant ing on her doctorate, found herself having to ence,” he adds. to society,” explains Annet Beukema, a explore the complex world of genetics with Dutch biologist who was a student local teenagers. Scientific stepping stones researcher at the Utrecht Science Shop. “To explain the reality of scientific research Some volunteers find that their time at a sci- Beukema, who had carried out research on to high-school students was a real chal- ence shop can open up job opportunities and behalf of a patient group into the effective- lenge,” recalls Darmon who now works at help map out their future career path. ness of alternative medicines in treating can- the French Institute for Health and Medical Beukema found that her work on alternative cer, echoes the view of many science Research. “It’s a question of sharing your medicine at the Utrecht science shop was shoppers that bringing science to passion for science.” ideal preparation for a similar project – which ordinary people makes their hard she heard about through an ex-student – at a work seem worthwhile. A unique learning experience Dutch consumer organisation. “I applied for There is a growing realisation among sci- the job, got it, and I’m still working at the Sharing passions ence shops that they need to provide stu- Consumentenbond,” she notes. Community research also carries its dents with other incentives besides altru- Science shops are “an invaluable stepping own challenges. These include high ism. “In a large number of science shops stone from unskilled student to someone staff turnover, which leads to a loss of students get course credits for their work,” who can design, manage and complete a tacit expertise and know-how. But notes Henk Mulder, vice-chairman of the sci- piece of research,” stresses Andy Kirkcaldy student researchers – who are ence shop at Groningen Chemistry Shop of Interchange, a research ‘brokerage’ in involved in some 70% of the research (NL). Liverpool (UK). conducted by science shops, accord- “Offering students work on science shop ing to one recent study – bring projects as part of their curriculum, with 12 energy and enthusiasm. regular staff supervision, greatly expands 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 13

Science Shops

Europe: international trendsetter

This section explores the community-based research movements in the United States and Canada and how European science shops helped shape their transatlantic counterparts.

Reformulating the research equation

he United States is a major research organisation in the United States to ences and expertise. It has also made links Tinvestor in research and develop- team up and make their voices heard. with other networks across the world includ- ment. However, research targeted “We can put a man on the moon,” states ing in Europe. specifically at the community has the Loka Insitute in a special report into the However, there remains a transatlantic gap. sometimes been a neglected sphere subject. “Why can’t we empower distressed “On a per capita basis the Dutch are invest- of attention. Inspired by the science communities and groups to help understand ing in community-based research at shop experience across the Atlantic, and address their own problems?” 15 times the US rate,” Loka estimates. American community-based researchers are The report goes on to explain: “We aren’t “[There is] a striking mismatch between the grouping their disparate efforts into a properly investing the resources readily United States’ generously endowed, main- movement. available for building the social infrastructure stream R&D agenda and the urgent needs of An article in 1995 by Richard Sclove of the that would make empowerment-through- countless communities across the country.” Loka Institute, a non-profit research and mutual-learning universally accessible.” The institute has a simple solution to this advocacy organisation, first brought To address this shortfall, the Loka Institute situation: divert some mainstream R&D European science shops to widespread spearheaded the creation of the Community expenditure. “To create a US community attention. Research Network (CRN) to boost the cap- research system that would provide a A flurry of interest ensued with over 200 acity of community-based research centres. service as comprehensively and accessibly organisations from across the country react- In the eight years since its inception, the as does the Dutch system would cost in the ing favourably to the article – Sclove had network has scored a number of successes. order of $450 million annually… [or] less obviously tapped into a deep-seated need. It has created a platform – rather like in than 0.3% of total US R&D expenditure.” Î This was the kernel for community-based Europe – for US centres to share experi- 13 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 14

Gaining ground in Canada

anada has been pushing ahead experiments but also looked across the Cin recent years with a collection Atlantic to draw lessons from the European of programmes aimed at making experience. scientific research more relevant to “The science shop movement in Europe and society. elsewhere had a significant effect on the Community-based research entered thinking that went into the creation of these the public domain in a big way five programmes,” Lévesque noted. years ago when the federal government, Canadian officials, he explained, paid sev- recognising its importance, began funding it eral top-level visits to science shops in the directly. Netherlands and “the lessons learned in “Community-university research is now con- Europe were combined [with] a long history sidered a core programme activity and is a in North American universities of ‘service- central component of the strategy of sup- learning’, ‘action-research’, and ‘service to porting excellence in research,” explains the collective’.” Peter Lévesque, a senior officer at the Social The SSHRC plans to make community-based Sciences and Humanities Research Council research a more central focus of its activities. of Canada (SSHRC) which is one of two gov- The organisation is moving away from being ernment-backed agencies channelling funds a ‘granting council’ and is now repositioning to community-based research activities. itself as a ‘knowledge council’ dedicated to The Community-University Research ‘knowledge mobilisation’. Alliances (CURA) and the Community “[This] is an effort to find the best methods to Alliances for Health Research (CAHR) mobilise the results of its research, so that programmes were created specifically to the people who need the results – [commu- support partnerships between university- nity groups], policy-makers, business lead- based researchers and community-based ers, service providers, teachers, the media – organisations. have what they need, when they need it, in When designing these two instruments, a form that they can use,” says Lévesque. Canadians not only relied on domestic 14 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 15

Science Shops

Activities funded by the Commission

As scientific development picks up pace, the European Commission has been working on the premise that scientific progress must be better harnessed in the service of society.

n its Science and Society Action Plan, the Getting connected Exploring options ICommission has recognised science The Commission recently helped to set up Under its Sixth Framework Programme for shops as one of the instruments in its efforts an international network of science shops research, the Commission is currently exam- to close the gap between European citizens (ISSNET*). In a similar vein to the EU’s ining a variety of new ways of strengthening and the research community. emerging European Research Area (ERA), and promoting the role of science shops. In The Commission is helping to boost the ISSNET strives to integrate local, regional June, it concluded a special ‘expressions of important role of science shops as a and national structures into a pan-European interest’ process to canvass science shops medium for improving both public access network that will help bring knowledge to life for project ideas. to, and public awareness of, science and for ordinary citizens. Based on these expressions of interest, the technology. It aims to provide added-value to its mem- Commission, in its 2004 Sience and Society Commission support has taken a variety of bers by promoting the exchange of work programme, has decided to launch forms, including the financing of in-depth research, knowledge, ideas and good prac- calls for proposals on networking between studies – SCIPAS and Interacts – to find out tice. The network will enhance the collab- science shops or equivalent organisations, how best to support these independent oration between science shops helping as well as innovative pilot communications research organisations. them make the most of their limited activities. “From a European perspective, science resources. By so doing, the Commission aims to pro- shops can help expand participation in sci- It will also help the movement to re-expand mote and enable the creation of new sci- entific research and its benefits to all levels following the turbulence it faced in the ence shops, the production of on-line infor- and segments of societies, thus contributing 1990s. Through a strong peer support mation, training materials, guidelines, etc. to social justice, social and civic integration, mechanism, new shops will be able to It also plans to reinforce the European mutual understanding, collaboration, and shorten their learning curve and reduce the dimension of science shops by supporting mutual benefit,” concluded a SCIPAS study. risks associated with setting up shop. dissemination activities and by creating spe- cific tools for communicating scientific 15 *See page 18 for more information on Improving Science expertise and advice. Shop Networking (ISSNET) 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 16

Science Shops

Setting up shop

Institutes or individuals interested in setting up a science shop need not reinvent the wheel. As European science shops forge closer networks, ciations, while, in Belgium, the demand… those wishing to establish a new shop can learn from the experiences of came from the top of the universities and from others and tap into their expertise. the government.” The science shops have created a database of ongoing research activities to help them ew science shops can benefit from Mechelen, Flemish Minister for Science and answer urgent research questions. They have Nexisting models and draw lessons from Technological Innovation. “[Regional] govern- also carried out a needs analysis among local their counterparts elsewhere. Examples ment can play a significantly stimulating part NGOs to find out their future research require- abound of new shops being lent a hand by in this.” ments and expectations. “We asked some their more experienced partners in other As the latest Belgian experience underscores, 3 000 [associations] for their opinion. Out of countries and regions. science shops can also help each other. “From 586 responses, 44% grapple with societal Science shops should avoid creating a carbon the very start, we established close contact questions and problems that could lead to a copy of the model applied elsewhere. “There with shops in the Netherlands,” says Sofie case for the science shop,” says Van Den is no single ‘best-way’ to start a science shop; Van Den Bossche of the science shop at the Bossche. local circumstances play a large role and must Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The new inform the way in which a shop is to be estab- Belgian shops were able to draw on the three Enlargement and mentoring lished,” stresses the SCIPAS report. decades of existing science shop experience. Romania’s science shop experience began “[The Dutch] assisted in the development of with a simple question, and has culminated in A Belgian revival the concept and advised in the practical the country’s very own chain of shops, which Science shops had pretty much disappeared organisation,” she explains. was all made possible thanks to a mix of in Belgium until last December when two Dutch mentoring and proactive local partner- were set up, under the same umbrella, on Evolutionary paths ship. university campuses in Brussels and Antwerp. The model used in the Netherlands could not In 1997, a local environmental NGO asked a “Citizens currently do not have a channel to simply be copied across the border. “The edu- Dutch science shop whether the concept pose questions to researchers. Establishing a cation and research cultures are quite differ- could be transferred to the eastern European science shop in Flanders seemed like an ent,” notes Van Den Bossche. “Dutch science country. “Six years and eight science shops 16 opportunity to fill this void,” said Dirk Van shops evolved essentially out of student asso- later we can definitely answer ‘yes’,” asserts Î 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 17

CATCHING ON EU-backed networking has spread the science shop concept to the French-speaking part of Belgium. Scité – a network of science diffusion centres in five Walloon universities – attended a number of Science and Society meetings at the European Commission. This exposure to other science shops led Scité members to plan to add community-based research activities to their current mandate of improving the relationship between science and society through Henk Mulder, vice-chairman of the Groningen researchers with their local expertise and innovative communication activities. Chemistry Shop (NL). commitment to modernisation and building “We plan to expand our service to the local Along with two other science shops and a up their own momentum. communities around our centres by providing them consultancy firm, Groningen managed to “The co-operation between the Netherlands with research capacity,” explains Scité’s Dominique secure funding from the Dutch Foreign and Romania can be seen as a good example Saintraint. “In addition to inspiring us, meeting fellow Ministry. One of the reasons behind the of ‘mentoring’,” notes Mulder. “Best practices science shoppers has made us feel that tapping into Ministry’s decision was because this would are shared and support is given by experi- their experience will make the task we’ve set help the development of the new democra- enced science shops, with a good eye on, ourselves simpler.” cies in central and eastern Europe by giving and ability to adapt to, differences in local sit- civil society more means of shaping its own uations.” FRENCH CONNECTION future. The success of the experiment has prompted Thanks to the ISSNET network, science shops are The Dutch team decided to help set up four the Dutch Foreign Ministry to put up a further reappearing on the French landscape. After a meeting science shops in the region of Moldovia that €400 000. A national network of science with Dutch and Canadian science shoppers, students would focus on the most important of shops, InterMediuNet Romania, has now at the elite Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan Romania’s pressing environmental problems. been established, and its first president, – supported by the Citizens Science Foundation – set “We used university and NGO networks to Carmen Teodosiu, is participating in EU- up a ‘Boutique de Science’. “We hope this will give find active staff at various universities… [and] funded science shop activities. science shops in France a second lease of life,” said we approached the university’s top-level to “The network intends to strengthen the indi- Claudia Neubauer of the Citizens Science Foundation. get their support,” Mulder adds. vidual shops, both in terms of their role in universities and their reach in civil society “In addition to providing citizens with useful science, Local adaptations organisations,” she explains. the science shop will help satisfy students seeking Although the Romanian science shops are “The continuation of science shop activities in studies that are more closely connected to society modelled on the decentralised approach, they Iasi, Galati and Bacau even after Dutch core and teachers wishes for new and interesting research still had to be adapted to local conditions. funding stopped was made possible through subjects,” explained Fabien Amiot, the student at the This involved intensive and intimate co-oper- the development of new project initiatives Ecole responsible for setting up the science shop ation between the Dutch with their science and participating in EU-funded projects,” she with the support of ten other students and two shop experience and the Romanian adds. professors. 17 954052_Science 3/15/04 09:49 Pagina 18

More information If you require further information, have questions Science Shops about the contents of this brochure, or would like to set up a science shop, contact:

Î European Commission Research Directorate-General ISSNET Science and Society Directorate “Public understanding of science; young people and science” Unit E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Georges Vlandas, Jette Gents B-1049 Brussels he Improving Science Shop Networking (ISSNET) network was officially launched in February 2003 Tel: (32-2) 29-99909 T– with €400 000 of Commission funding – to enable science shops in Europe and beyond to share Fax: (32-2) 29-58220 expertise and know-how with the aim of improving citizen access to scientific knowledge.

ISSNET defines a science shop as “a unit that pro- • Science Shop Vienna (AT) vides independent, participatory research support • Science Shop Technical University of Denmark in response to concerns experienced by civil (DK) society”. According to the network, the mission of • The Co-operation and Consulting Centre for science shops is to: Environmental Questions (KUBUS), Technical • Help improve people’s quality of life through University Berlin (DE) Interested in European research? research • Wissenschaftsladen Bonn (DE) • Provide an affordable service • Pax Mediterranea, Sevilla (ES) RTD info is our quarterly magazine keeping you in • Promote and support public access to and influ- • Citizen Science Foundation, Paris (FR) touch with main developments (results, programmes, ence on science and technology • Chemistry Shop, University of Groningen (NL) events, etc.). • Enhance understanding of civil society among • Science Shop, Queen’s University, Belfast (UK) policy-makers and the scientific community It is available in English, French and German. A free • Interchange, Department of Sociology, Liverpool sample copy or free subscription can be obtained University (UK) from: ISSNET, which is led by Utrecht University (NL), • InterMEDIU Information, Consultancy and ODL Information and Communication Unit publishes a magazine called Living Knowledge Department, Technical University of Iasi (RO) Directorate-General for Research three times a year to help network members share • Centre for Urban Research and Learning, Loyola European Commission knowledge and expertise. The network is made up of University Chicago (US) B-1049 Brussels - Belgium 13 partners: Fax: (+32-2) 29-58220 • Science Shop for Biology, Utrecht University • The international science E-mail: [email protected] (NL) shop network, ISSNET: Internet: • Centre for Social Scientific Research, Education http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/rtdinfo_en.html and Information FBI, Innsbruck (AT) http://www.scienceshops.org/ 18