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 or based in universities, where research is done by students as part of their curriculu – under the supervision of the Science Shop and other associated (university) staff .

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’, 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.

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 term ‘science’ is used in its broadest sense, incorporating social and human sciences, as well as natural, physical, engineering and technical sciences.

However, many initiatives not linked to universities – such as community based research centres – are similar to Science Shops and do the same type of work. Despite their different names and differences in operation and organisation, basic principles and goals are comparable. Through this type of extension and support activity, Science Shops attempt to create access to science, knowledge and technology for social groupings that would not or could not ordinarily interact with these disciplines.

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.

Over the last few years international interest in the Science Shop model has developed, and similar organisations have been established in a wide range of countries.

Information: International Science Shop Contact Point, tel: +.49.228.2016122