Participatory science and scientific participation: The role of civil society organisations in decision making about novel developments in biotechnologies

Objective

The objectives of the project are to bring research closer to society and to increase the societal relevance of scientific research through the promotion of public participation in European research activities. PSx2 will create a dialogue between specialised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and scientific actors that are engaged in the field of biotechnology research governance, in particular regarding GMOs, and can act as a bridge between the scientific world and the general public.
The issue of novel biotechnologies is not only an expanding area of scientific research, but also provides a very important area for social experimentation in more active citizenship and a deeper involvement of the lay public in European research activities. To do this, PSx2 w ill establish a platform of ongoing exchange and collaboration between scientists and CSOs throughout the entire project and beyond. Efforts will be shown in the production of a Manual of Best Practices for a Participatory Science and a Scientific Participation gathering the best strategies to be carried out at European level so to enhance communication and work between research and society. The manual will have been written out of empirical and theoretical data coming from a specific survey carried out among European CSOs, and further discussion between social and scientific stakeholders (from and outside the project consortium). The manual of best practices will be compiled in English and will be translated into Spanish, French, German, Italian and Estonia n so to stress its European value.
The manual will eventually be proposed to national institutions and decision-makers for adoption. Furthermore, the manual of best practices is to be intended as an instrument to enforce European policy on the subject, but also as a valid tool for the structuring of the European Research Area as a whole.

Programme(s)

• FP6-SOCIETY - Science and society: specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration : "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006

Topic(s)

• SOCIETY-WP-2005-4.3.1.4 - Civil Society Organisations

Call for proposal

FP6-2005-SCIENCE-AND-SOCIETY-19
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Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (8)