What’s a science shop? Or a social science shop?

Science shops, or social science shops, are not shops in the traditional sense of the word. They carry out research in response to concerns experienced by members of society and develop the dialogue between researchers and society in the process.

Science shops, or community research brokerages, were first established in the Netherlands in the 1970s. The aim was to give non-academics and non-profit organisations access to science and social science research.

Today, they can be found in more than 20 countries throughout the world, including several community research brokerages based at universities in the UK. Science shops are often, but not always, linked to universities, where students conduct the research as part of their studies, or academics apply for research grants together with community partners.

Science shops typically receive a particular request for knowledge from a “client”. They carry out an audit to see if the information exists and if not they may carry out the research on the client’s behalf. Worldwide, this has helped them to address a wide range of social, humanitarian and environmental issues. They have carried out research into areas ranging from measuring the effects of air and noise pollution, through to finding technological solutions to help disabled people live independent lives.

Dr. Henk Mulder of the Science Shop at Gronigen University will be speaking at the seminar, entitled “What’s a science shop? Or a social science shop?” at the University Centre on 28 April, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. The seminar has been organised by the University’s Community Affairs team with Dr. Robert Doubleday from the Department of Geography.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to email njb1010@cam.ac.uk More information on science shops and community research brokerage can be found via the Living Knowledge network.