Science Shops in brief 

Science Shops are not “shops” in the traditional sense of the word. They are small entities that carry out scientific research in a wide range of disciplines – usually free of charge and – on behalf of citizens and local civil society. The fact that Science shops respond to civil society’s needs for expertise and knowledge is a key element that distinguish them from other knowledge transfer mechanisms. Science Shops are often, but not always, linked to universities, where students conduct the research as part of their curriculum.

Science Shops

In addition to the demands made on research and development by commerce and industry, 'civil society' organisations have their own research needs. Diffusion of knowledge often focuses on communication from researchers to society, but increasingly there is a demand for communication from society to researchers. This is the concept of 'social demand' for knowledge . Different types of interfaces exist between researchers and society, one of which are the 'science shops'. Science shops are organisations created as mediators between citizen groups (trade unions, pressure groups, non-profit organisations, social groups, environmentalists, consumers, residents association etc.) and research institutions (universities, independent research facilities). Science shops are important actors in community-based research (CBR). There are many differences in the way science shops are organised and operate, as well as some important parallels.

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

In practice, contact is established between a civil society organisation and a science shop or CBR centre on a problem in which the civil society organisation is seeking research support. In this collective search for a solution new knowledge is generated, or at least existing knowledge is combined and adapted - again, in a true partnership without 'science' prevailing in any way. Through their contacts, science shops provide a unique antenna function for society's current and future demands on science.

There is not one dominant organisational structure defining a science shop. How science shops are organised and operate is highly dependent on their context. The above definition of a science shop might also include organisations that do not self-define as a science shop. Organisations that meet the definition of a science shop and do provide civil society with knowledge and skills through research and education on an affordable basis will be taken into account. The term 'science' is used in its broadest sense, incorporating social and human sciences, as well as natural, physical, engineering and technical sciences.

Information: livingknowledge@wilabonn.de

Science shops mission statement