Preamble
We are happy to publish our first policy brief, where we detail our position on the need for more participatory and open science.
This report, aimed at academics and academic policy makers, will highlight the benefits of not just publishing science data for other scientists but making it easier for the public to use. We will also highlight the benefits of widening the ways in which the public can participate in science research, depending on the level of involvement that they want – whether it is active participation or if it is simply having better access to underlying evidence of published science communications.
Executive summary
Historically, science and innovation opportunities have only been available to a minority of the population, such as staff in universities or large companies with research departments. Publicly funded science has for some time incentivized the publishing of open data sets in order to make science more transparent and accessible. However, open release of datasets is not enough to enable the public to access this data – there must be structured science communication activities and resources to enable participants make sense and understand the evidence behind scientific findings.
There is a range of approaches to science communication from unidirectional transmission of information to active participation, with different methods of engagement in between. More participatory approaches view science communication as a dialogue and discussion between the public, experts, and decision-makers. In these approaches, such as citizen science, people are involved in research and actively make sense of science data. Active and engaging participation leads to better awareness, enjoyment, interest, and understanding of science. Furthermore, we propose that better access to science data and the use of multiple forms of interactive media will enable more diverse and engaging ways of science communication.
Link and download
Knutas A., Wolff, A., Hudson, L. (2021, draft). ParCos policy brief, deliverable 7.4 of the Horizon 2020 project ParCos, EC grant agreement no 872500, Lappeenranta, Finland. (Download).
Graphic design and art by Tristan Heemels – tristan (at) heemels dot be.