Home > Full program > Participatory Science Projects for Sustainable Development - Impact and Innovations of Practice-Based Training in the Design and Facilitation
Introduction
Participatory research takes various forms, ranging from citizen science Science La science est désormais l’affaire de tous. Découvrez la science d’une manière ludique et active. Nous vous proposons d’en découvrir plus sur nos expéditions à la voile, découverte du plancton. , focused on data collection, to participatory research involving the full co-construction of projects. These approaches aim to bring science Science La science est désormais l’affaire de tous. Découvrez la science d’une manière ludique et active. Nous vous proposons d’en découvrir plus sur nos expéditions à la voile, découverte du plancton. closer to society by actively involving non-specialists in knowledge production. However, the success of these projects depends on the ability to effectively design and facilitate initiatives. This article examines the impact of practice-based training, structured around project-based pedagogy, in addressing this need.
The program
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Pedagogical and Methodological Innovations
The training, designed by Objectif Sciences International and Step and Go, stands out for:
- A balance between theory and practice: Theoretical modules are immediately followed by practical workshops, allowing participants to build a project throughout the training.
- Diverse and adapted formats:
- Project Design + Facilitation Edition: Multi-day hackathons held in dynamic cities (Paris, Nice, etc.), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Special Facilitation Edition: Intensive residential courses in inspiring environments (e.g., the Alps) to focus on scientific mediation and group facilitation.
- A unique pedagogical progression: Developed over 30 years of experience, this methodology integrates scientific, pedagogical, and organizational challenges in a comprehensive approach.
**Examples and Case Studies**
Several projects illustrate the effectiveness of this approach:
- Local environmental monitoring: Citizens mobilized to measure air quality and track biodiversity indicators in their region, working closely with researchers to interpret the collected data.
- Participatory research project with impact: A project aimed at improving natural resource management involved local stakeholders at every stage, from defining research questions to analyzing results. This model generated concrete solutions tailored to the specific needs of the community [1].
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Advantages of Practice-Based Training
The observed benefits are numerous:
- Rapid skill development: Immersive practice facilitates the acquisition of expertise in project management, group facilitation, and the use of collaborative tools.
- Strengthened collaboration: The training fosters the creation of a network of professionals and citizens who share common values of sustainable development.
- Adaptability and innovation: Active methods (role-playing, simulations) enable participants to test innovative approaches and adapt to unexpected situations.
- Societal impact: By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the project’s inception, the training helps make research more relevant and grounded in society’s real needs.
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Discussion
The practical approach adopted in this training is based on a mixed epistemological framework, combining pragmatic, constructivist, and empirical perspectives. This plurality allows for:
- Valuing local knowledge by integrating it into the research process.
- Ensuring transparency and shared responsibility between scientists and citizens.
- Stimulating innovation by developing hybrid projects that combine fundamental and applied research.
Experience gained from projects such as biodiversity monitoring or community resource management confirms the relevance of this approach in generating measurable impacts both in the field and within the scientific community.
Check out this training on the design and facilitation of a Participatory Science project |
Conclusion
Practice-based training, structured around project-based pedagogy, represents a significant advancement in the design and facilitation of participatory science Science La science est désormais l’affaire de tous. Découvrez la science d’une manière ludique et active. Nous vous proposons d’en découvrir plus sur nos expéditions à la voile, découverte du plancton. projects for sustainable development. It not only trains individuals capable of leading ambitious collaborative projects but also transforms how research is conceived and conducted, placing citizen participation at the heart of the process.
References
1. Haklay, M. (2013). Citizen Science
Science
La science est désormais l’affaire de tous. Découvrez la science d’une manière ludique et active. Nous vous proposons d’en découvrir plus sur nos expéditions à la voile, découverte du plancton.
and Volunteered Geographic Information: Overview and Typology of Participation. AGILE Conference Proceedings.
2. Bonney, R. et al. (2009). Citizen Science: A Developing Tool for Expanding Science Knowledge and Scientific Literacy. BioScience.
Check out this training on the design and facilitation of a Participatory Science project |