The development of innovative practice in Science Shops is supported through a customised training toolbox and appropriate partnering and exchange (mentoring) among members of the Living Knowledge Network. All members of the Living Knowledge Network can participate in activities (e.g. workshops, conferences) and make use of the results and materials developed during former project activities such as SCIPAS, TRAMS or ISSNET.
This toolbox service will empower new Science Shops in developing professional standards and enable existing Science Shops to refine and improve their practice through updated professional know-how. Added value will come from exchange of good practices across different countries, incorporating the experiences and needs of new and potential European partners.

The Toolbox offers:

• FAQs: The Frequently Asked Questions and the indicative answers are clustered along thematic the lines:

1. General (history, locations, definitions)
2. Working with clients or civil society partners
3. Working with students and researchers
4. Organisational formats (inside/outside university)
5. Staffing a Science Shop
6. Financing a Science Shop
7. Science Shops and policy makers
8. Questions relating to the Living Knowledge network
9. Training materials and mentoring

• Training programmes: a database with documents, for download as MS Access database or as MS Word document with hyperlinks to the documents of the database). The database brings together relevant documentation on Science Shop procedures, processes and guidelines like:

1. Community based research methods
2. Science Shop administration
3. Public Awareness
4. Preparing a Science Shop project
5. Carrying out a Science Shop Project
6. Writing / publication of a Science Shop project

Go to the index of the Science Shop Toolbox

• Scenario Workshop Toolkit (a handbook): The Scenario Workshop Toolkit has been specifically developed to give insights into a workshop method, which supports and facilitates active participation of people from across society and across different interest groups. The setting of a Scenario Workshop offers the participants a direct opportunity for exchanging and discussing their points of view, doubts, suggestions and wishes regarding a particular topic or problem with experts and decision-makers. Furthermore it is a tool for promoting dialogue, furthering involvement and managing constructive discussions between various groups.
  The Scenario Workshop Toolkit (pdf, 1.3 MB) focuses on a mentoring process to support the development of new Science Shop initiatives and the sharing of expertise on Science Shop procedures and processes.

• Science Shop Summer Schools
  The Science Shop summer school is an intensive programme that focus on the concept of Science Shops and community-based research in general. Experienced Science Shop staff discusses operational options and good practices, but also barriers in running a Science Shop. Local contexts are very important factors for the success of a Science Shop. Therefore an active contributions of participants is essential in the  discussions. Examples of different Science Shop models are be given.
  Target group:  Scientists, science communicators, community leaders, NGO representatives, graduate students, PhD students, and others who are interested in setting up a science shop or starting Community-Based Research projects.

Contact: Please contact International Science Shop Contact Point, tel: +.49.228.2016122, for more information.