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).