Transforming astrobiology research and innovation: Embedding an ethos of engaged research

Transforming astrobiology research and innovation: Embedding an ethos of engaged research

Author: Richard Holliman – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom

Co-authors:

  • Hannah Cooper – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom
  • Sarah Davies – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom
  • Ann Grand – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom
  • Karen Olsson-Francis – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom
  • Vic Pearson – The Open University, UK, United Kingdom

UK Research has been transformed over the past 10 years due to the staged introduction of the impact agenda; initially, as a requirement of applications to public funders, and then as an element of sector-wide research audits. We will begin this presentation with a brief review to explain these changes, drawing on selected theories of epistemology, and the findings from a recent research collaboration undertaken with a UK public funder.

In response to the scale of these changes, UK Universities have been given opportunities by public funders to review and revise their organisational structures and cultural practices to adapt to the increased requirements to engage with ‘publics’ in ways that are meaningful to them. In the second section, we will briefly review the findings and key actions from a project undertaken at the Open University, UK to respond to these changes. These are embodied in our Senate-approved concept of ‘engaged research’, encompassing the different ways that researchers meaningfully interact with stakeholders, user communities, members of the public, facilitating engagement over any or all stages of a research process, from issue formulation, the production or co-creation of new knowledge, to knowledge evaluation and dissemination.

The UK research landscape continues to evolve. In the final section, we will discuss how we have embedded theoretical concepts and practical approaches to promote ‘fairness in knowing’ and reduce ‘epistemic injustice’ in an ongoing project. The vehicle for this discussion is astrobiology, an emerging scientific field that encompasses 1) questions of whether life can exist beyond the Earth; 2) space governance and planetary protection; 3) inclusive innovation for international development; 4) commercially-viable microbiological solutions; and 5) educational innovation in developing nations. We will conclude by arguing that engaged research can transform research and innovation, moving science communicators beyond perennial arguments about theory vs. practice.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Individual paper
Theme: Transformation

Contact

The Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST Network) is an organisation that promotes discussion on the theory and practice of communicating science, and of public discourses about science and technology and their role in society.

Email: admin@pcst.network
Web: www.pcst.network

Incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Registered number AO5352.

Terms and conditions  ·  Privacy policy
Disclaimer  ·  Copyright  ·  Sitemap

Copyright © PCST

Connect

PCST is the an active and influential international academic and professional organisation in the field of science communication.

Become a member

Our email discussion list is free for everyone to join and has an international audience of over 2000 subscribers.

Join the discussion list

PCST Network has co-operation agreements with the following international organisations:

EUSEA
European Science Engagement Association

IECA
International Environmental Communication Association

RedPOP
Latin American and Caribbean Network for the Popularisation of Science and Technology