Sciencewise-ERC Research

The Sciencewise-ERC programme has undertaken in-depth studies into six strategic areas for public dialogue. By building the understanding and knowledge within these key areas, Sciencewise-ERC is leading the development of techniques for public dialogue in science and technology.

The results of this research are intended to

• help those involved in delivering public dialogue to be at the forefront in the application of dialogue techniques,
• assist policy makers in Government departments and agencies by providing further guidance and advice on what is required to achieve a successful public dialogue project, and
• provide up to date guidance and advice to those involved in science and technology dialogue and engagement.

Each of the research studies has been led by a member of the Sciencewise-ERC Dialogue and Engagement Specialist team.

The six research areas (and the lead Specialist) are:

Departmental Dialogue Index (Lindsey Colbourne) - Assessing organisational readiness for undertaking dialogue and other engagement methods. Using organisational development approaches to assess the propensity of the organisation in relation to public dialogue work.

Widening Public Involvement in Dialogue (Pippa Hyam) - Mass engagement – the why and how of undertaking larger scale engagement projects which use ‘upscaled’ dialogue techniques.

The Use of Experts in Public Dialogue (Suzannah Lansdell) - Effective use of experts in dialogue projects, including scientists, expert stakeholders and science communicators.

Evidence Counts: Understanding the value of public dialogue (Diane Warburton) - Reviews and provides a framework for evaluating the quality, costs and benefits of public dialogue, to measure the value and impacts on policy and participants.

Enabling and Sustaining Citizen Involvement (Diane Beddoes) - Before, during and after dialogue activities.

Working with the Media (Melanie Smallman) - Assessment of the challenges for dialogue in effective working with the media to raise awareness of dialogue and to promote its outcomes.

Please click on the research heading to find out more and to download the summary and full report

The following document is a piece of independent social science research funded by Sciencewise-ERC written by Jason Chilvers:

Sustainable Participation - This report builds on one of the first ever studies of public participation experts, their networks, roles and relations, to present a broader analysis of the UK public dialogue field as a whole.