This episode of the Campus Podcast explores the growing field of citizen science, which goes by a variety of labels, including participatory research, citizen science, and non-academic research. Whatever your preferred terminology, the basis of all this work is the participation of non-academic participants. We talk to three of the strongest proponents of this research approach to explain why and how this approach is a powerful way to unlock knowledge and explore innovative solutions.
Henrietta Moore is founder and director of the Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP) at University College London, which seeks to shift economic thinking towards a focus on improving the quality of life for everyone. . Central to Henrietta and her IGP’s approach is the involvement of grassroots communities in knowledge production. Examples include: Funded by ESRC relief centeraims to improve the level of prosperity in Lebanon. procol africaThis is a collaborative research program that expands our knowledge of what constitutes prosperity in Africa. Read Henrietta’s resource, Unlocking Knowledge within Your Local Community as part of ‘Leveling Up’, which inspired this podcast.
Joel Bitok is a farmer from Nadi County, Kenya, and has been working with PROCOL Africa for four years as a trained citizen scientist. Joel has helped academics interact with local Maumara communities (mainly farmers) to carry out value chain mapping. The insights gained have enabled the PROCOL Africa team to make recommendations to governments and other institutions to promote prosperity.
Alan Irwin is a leading citizen science researcher and professor in the Department of Organization at Copenhagen Business School. He has followed the evolution of citizen science for 30 years, having published many reference books on the subject. Research on Human Resources, Expertise and Sustainable Development” (1995).
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