About Living Knowledge – The international Science Shop Network
The international Living Knowledge Network (LK) aims at giving citizens access to scientific research.
The network is for people interested in building partnerships for public access to research. Members of the network exchange information, documentation, ideas, experiences and expertise on community-based research and science and society relations in general.
The website informs you about the following:
Science Shops, as small entities that carry out scientific research in a wide range of disciplines – usually free of charge and – on behalf of citizens and local civil society. The fact that Science shops respond to civil society’s needs for expertise and knowledge is a key element that distinguish them from other knowledge transfer mechanisms. The Science Shop section offers access to FAQs, documentation, reading suggestions, archives and a toolbox service.
The PERARES (Public Engagement with Research And Research Engagement with Society) project aims to strengthen the interaction between researchers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and citizens in Europe. 26 partners from 17 countries (Science Shops, social organizations, universities and a research funder) will jointly organize transnational debates on scientific research and set up new Science Shops in 10 European cities. The project runs from 2010 untill 2014.
The PERARES Online Debate starts in November 2011 with a “Nano Knowlegde Debate”. This Debate focuses on setting research questions and thus does not just provide an opportunity for general discussion.
Beside this website the main communication tools for the LK are the Living Knowledge News and Discussion list, the Living Knowledge Newsletter and the Living Knowledge Journal.
Science Shops
A Science Shop provides independent, participatory research support in response to concerns experienced by civil society.
Science Shops use the term ‘science’ in its broadest sense, incorporating social and human sciences, as well as natural, physical, engineering and technical sciences.
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Events
You can follow us for the 5th Living Knowledge conference … more...
What innovation is needed to guide research towards public concerns? How can civil society fully participate in the co-creation of knowledge? The 5th Living Knowledge Conference will focus on getting more insight into processes, and develop specific policy recommendations that resonate with public concerns and articulated research needs.
The PERARES online debate series starts with a pilot on nanotechnology: NGOs, industry and government previously have initiated discussions which now will be compared considering the possibilities of public influence on and participation in the development of a new technology area.
more information about the debates …