Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/C541650/2
Title:	Citizen Science for Sustainability Research and Support Network
Principal Investigator:	Eames, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Business School
Organisation:	Brunel University London
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 December 2006	Ends:	31 May 2009	Value (£):	305,060
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Building Ops & Management Urban & Land Management
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Environment Transport Systems and Vehicles Water
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed action research and networking activities are designed to build links - to promote engagement, dialogue and collaboration - between EPSRC scientists and engineers, local professionals (such as Local Authority officials, business people, voluntary sector and community workers, officials from the Environment Agency, etc) and most importantly lay citizens, particularly those from marginalized and excluded groups (old people, young people, people with disabilities and from minority ethnic backgrounds, etc).The overall aim of the research is to provide local communities with a greater say in helping to define future priorities for environmental and sustainability research (on energy, transport, waste, urban infrastructure, land use, etc) so as to ensure that such research more effectively addresses their needs. Previous experience suggests that promoting participation by excluded groups and meaningful dialogue with professionals and scientists presents considerable challenges. This research will therefore develop and test a range of techniques for facilitating participation through an extensive series of workshops with separate panels of lay citizens and local professionals in three case study communities. The research will provide for structured interaction and dialogue between these panels and a group of approximately 30 EPSRC scientists and engineers recruited for the purpose.Key outcomes from the research will include:1) Guidance and training for the EPSRC and wider science and engineering communities on engaging with excluded communities;2) An example of a local community-led research agenda for the environment and sustainability based upon the case study research, and an analysis of how this differs from the EPSRC's current priorities in this area;3) A Citizens Science for Sustainability Network which will foster on going dialogue and collaboration between these groups.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher
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Organisation Website:	http://www.brunel.ac.uk