Workshop on Transformative Science-Society Relations

General Information

Human-made environmental changes and connected societal risks of the Anthropocene demand new ways of connecting science and society. This workshop invites researchers to explore diverse forms of science-society relations and to exchange ideas on how a shift toward transformative relations – those that mobilize societal stakeholders and enable system redesign – can be realized in practice. We will introduce a novel typology of science-society relations developed within the Anthro:Relate project, share experiences from different research contexts, and jointly discuss open questions and future directions.

Aim

The workshop aims to validate and enrich insights from the Anthro:Relate project on factors that shape transformative science-society relations. It provides a space for peer learning and the exchange of practical strategies for engaging societal stakeholders effectively across different research phases and critically rethinking the current system. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen connections and build a community of like-minded researchers committed to advancing science-society collaboration.

Target Group

The workshop is aimed at researchers from all scientific discipline, career stage, empirical fields, and geographic regions who are interested in moving beyond academic boundaries and collaborating with society to strengthen the role of research in supporting society’s transformation towards a just and sustainable future. We particularly welcome senior researchers and advanced postdocs who are designing new research proposals and seeking innovative approaches to science-society engagement.

Workshop Description

We will start with a presentation of the Anthro:Relate typology, within which you will position your own project and reflect together with the other participants on emerging patterns, gaps, and future directions.

In the main part of the workshop, we will have interactive discussions on key factors – such as funding requirements, researchers’ competencies and skills, trust and networks, and local embeddedness – that enable or hinder transformative science-society relations as defined in the typology. You will hear reflection pitches from invited experts and have the chance to share your own experiences.

The workshop also includes a peer-to-peer coaching session, focusing on discussing strategies for engaging stakeholders before, during, and after research projects, as well as how to engage with system redesign. Finally, you are invited to connect and exchange with peers during an Apéro.