What could be the role of civil society in research ? Viviane Willis-Mazzichi European Commission Research and Technological Development RTD - C2 - Scientific advice and governance

RTD- C2 activities Governance of science –EURAB – European research Advisory Board Chairperson: Helga Nowotny Scientific advice and risk governance Participation of civil society Cf brochure – Scientific advice & Governance – Jan 05

Three questions What is « sound science »? What interest might society have in science and research ? What could be the role of (organised) civil society in research ?

What is « sound science »? Some guiding elements: « les disciplines héritent d’un chemin qui leur dit comment poser les problèmes » - Isabelle Stengers  Methodologies  Models ( physics/ chemistry) – laws and causality  Selectivity - set aside contingencies/ externalities  Instrumentalisation – « real » objects or artefacts?  Testing  Peer review  Reporting  « histoire externe » - justification - success stories / epics  « histoire interne » - authentic context reporting difficulties, controversies

Scientific research on health and diseases  High complexity of the «objects»  Multiplication of disciplines various expertises piling up in « millefeuilles »  Interdisciplinary approach becomes a challenge  What is health ? What is disease?  Anomaly /or abnormality  How are set the norms?  Causes or symptoms?  Different points of view / actors involved ?

What interest might society have in science and research ? Three key values anchoring science in society:  Science for the “art” – new knowledge/ truth  16th 18th centuries  Self-governance of the scientific community  Science for Progress  19th century  Harnessed to economic growth and employment  Science and Responsibility  20th century – growing complexity of problems to tackle  Science is part of the problem and part of the solution

What interest might society have in science and research ? Public testing of science –Crossing different types of knowledge –other types of questions –Other / new modes of participation Projects funded by RTD-C2 –IFOK – recommendations on dialogue with civil society –DECIDE - deliberative citizens debates –Meeting of Minds – citizens’ panels on neurosciences

What could be the role of (organised) civil society in EU research? The Frame 7th Research Framework Programme Four Specific programmes: –Cooperation – thematic fields ( health, environment, energy…) - Ideas – « frontier research » - People - Marie Curie actions –Capacities – Science in Society strand Work programmes / fields –Calls for proposals –Structures of dialogue / partnerships –Funding instruments –Actors involved

What could be the role of (organised) civil society in EU research? Modes of involvement in the research policy cycle  Staying outside  Information / communication  Consultation  Getting inside  Participating in groups discussing research agendas  Participating in the evaluation of projects  Undertaking research  Commissioning research Extension of the schemes for SMEs to civil society organisations

What could be the role of (organised) civil society in EU research? Getting ready Call 19 support to CSO to look for partners and engage further in research in the perspective of FP7 feasibility studies and analyses on possible research initiatives capacity building debates / consultations relating to EU research activities Deadline 30 March 2006 Info day – 29 January – 10 to 13 H

In conclusion Welcome to the knowledge-based society! Science opens (new) fronts of societal concern and societal interest goes beyond information Adds a new dimension to science: ensure its societal relevance In addition to Protecting the integrity of science – scientific institutions Fostering innovations - public-private partnerships Still in a “Learning by doing” phase –New modes of governance involving citizens and their organisations New vision of science bring new scientific disciplines « Science and Technology Studies »

Websites to explore… Science and society Scientific advice and governance Portofolio of projects Civil society participation