www.scienceshops.org

There is no structure of an organisation that can be seen as the ultimate construction. How science shops are organised and operate is highly dependent on their context. When establishing a network of science shops new contexts may add new organisation structures. Therefore the definition of science shops is a working definition. The term Science Shop should be considered a brand name, including all kind of organisations that fit in the definition.

Definition

A science shop provides independent, participatory research support in response to concerns experienced by civil society.

Mission statement

Science shops use the term ’science’ in its broadest sense, incorporating social and human sciences, as well as natural, physical, engineering and technical sciences.

Science shops seek to:

• provide civil society with knowledge and skills through research and education
• provide their services on an affordable basis
• promote and support public access to and influence on science and technology
• create equitable and supportive partnerships with civil society organisations
• enhance understanding among policymakers and education and research institutions of the research and education needs of civil society
• enhance the transferrable skills and knowledge students, community representatives and researchers

Criteria

Science Shops in general have three criteria for accepting clients:

1. Clients should have no commercial objectives with their question, and the research results must become public (or ‘the question must be for the common good’);
2. Clients must be able to use the results of the research to achieve their mission (thus, scattered individual questions may not be accepted; but if necessary clients can also be assisted in applying the results);
3. Clients may not have the (full) financial means to acquire their research by other means (sometimes applicable questions from these clients are accepted as paid research or research at least subsidised by the client).

Observa|science in society

Observa – Science in Society is a non-profit cultural association which aims at promoting the study and the discussion of the interaction between science and society, stimulating dialogue among researchers, policy makers and citizens.
Observa focuses on three main areas:
Science Communication;
Research and Innovation Policy;
Science, Citizens and Technology

Through its activities, Observa has established collaborations with several national and international organizations, including the European Commission – DG Research, CERN, Lancaster University, Bielefeld University, University College London, University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Austrian Academy of Science, Gran Sasso National Laboratory, European Association of young biotechnologists.

In line with its mission of fostering an informed debate on science in society issues, keeping a balanced and independent point of view, Observa is not affiliated to any private or public organization. Activities are funded through specific projects, members’ contributions and donations.

Science, Technology and Society Research Group CES-UC

The Science, Technology and Society Research Group focuses on domains like the sociology of science, scientific policy, scientific and cognitive citizenship, multicultural conceptions of knowledge, north south relationships in areas like intellectual property rights and knowledge, relations between health and environment and science and law.

The main objective of the research group is to create a discussion and working platform, promoting the cooperation between researchers and graduate students who have research interests in these domains or in participating in debates in progress on these issues.

Click logo for details.

www.discourses.org?!

it looks easy to find when you’re working with political discourse…

here

Political Thought

I’d like to introduce the Center for the Studies of the Political Thought (ISCSP-UTL), a portuguese web-based platform that presents you a variety of useful information, including a nice Portuguese Political Dictionary. Unfortunately this page was closed by the lack of funds.

Technology Assessment in Europe

 

  The following pages give an overview on technology assessment (TA) projects and their results from the different TA bodies in Europe. The reports from the TA bodies are supplemented by reports from the European Commission and other European Institutions, research institutions and others, where applicable.

These overviews are organised by subject area. The main division deals with technology areas, activity areas and problem areas. For every sub-area a short introduction is given. Every report, paper, etc. is briefly described and then a link to the relevant document is given.

STOA started to create these international overviews on TA projects in September 2004. New overviews will be added and old ones updated as and when necessary.

Technology areas

• Information and communication technology
• New materials, nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Energy technology
• Production technology

 

Activity areas

• Food supply and agriculture
• Renewable Energy
• Transport
• Industrial production
• Building and housing
• Health care
• Tourism
• Science and research

 

Problem areas

• Innovation
• Competitiveness
• Environment
• Health
• Consumer protection
• Privacy

Science in Europe

Click to find useful information on Science, Technology and Innovation Institutions in Europe

DeCiDe: deliberative citizens’ debates in science centers and museums

DeCiDe is a simple and affordable tool to conduct deliberative debates in museums, schools, pubs and even at home. No speakers or experts are needed, as the participants use a kit of cards which contain all the necessary fact and information. The kits can be downloaded from the internet and printed in house, and are available in 12 languages. To organizethe event one needs to provide only a suitable space with a table and chairs.

Click on image to follow the experience

 

 

Biotechnology: the ethical way of achieving stem cells

A new method was published August 23rd by Nature bringing science and ethics together.

Here.

Interesting blog

Nice blog based on health policy critique, written by a former hospital administrator known as Xavier.

You may see it here.