About Resource
The Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists developed this guide to help scientists identify ways to engage communities in research. This resource focuses on scientific research and community engagement in research as tools to inform decision making and the development of solutions to collective challenges, especially for environmental and public health. This resource aims to help researchers:
- Learn some of the mutual benefits of scientist-community partnerships
- Apply scientific and technical skills to help meet community priorities
- Build relationships with community members
- Overcome challenges of building collaborations
- Access additional resources about scientist-community partnerships
The guidebook describes different ways scientists can participate, depending on how their skills and resources align with the priorities and interests of community partners. It also outlines benefits for scientists and community participants, an iterative process for building effective collaboration, how to get started, how to identify and overcome barriers, and a list of additional useful resources.
How to Use
This guidebook is helpful for those in the professional science fields and science institutions to identify and apply best practices for successful research collaborations. It lists many different ways to participate, all of which can be part of a larger community science project. These methods include helping communities access and use scientific research relevant to their priorities, design and implement research, and communicate results to different stakeholders in science, policy, and broader society to advance community goals. The iterative process the guidebook outlines can be a useful starting point for thinking about how to build a collaborative effort.
Many of the benefits stated in the guidebook can provide important rationale for community science and communicate what the potential gains can be for participants. For scientists, these benefits can include helping solve real-world problems, understanding the broader social dimensions of a science-related issue, building trust in science and scientists, identifying future research questions, and gaining a greater appreciation of local knowledge and expertise. For communities, benefits can include building scientific understanding and research skills, making their voices heard on critical issues, and increasing community credibility with decision makers.
Author(s)/Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists
Tags
Attributes:Aims for Action, Respects Community Strengths, Shares Leadership
Outcomes:Increased Science Agency, Ethical Decision-Making, Impactful Scientific Research, Inspiration for New Science
Approaches:Dialogue & Deliberation, Participatory Research
Type:Guidebooks & Manuals