Creating Common Futures - Embedding experimental methods for public engagement with innovative technologies

Lead Research Organisation: University College London
Department Name: Geography

Abstract

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Description I proposed a method for public engagement with new technologies, using the case study of nanotechnology. This method involved non-specialists in the discussion of the scientific side of the controversy, rather than just in the social or economic side. While criticism of the science was often also voice in standard public consultations and engagements, these were often discredited or edited out entirely. My method led to discussions where public arguments regarding the science could not be so easily dismissed.

I also used this project to develop future research on other environmental controversies, especially climate change.
Exploitation Route The findings could be used to develop methods for public engagement with other types of 'invisible risk', including climate change. More work could be done on embedding and valuing critical public opinion. The method has already been employed by the Museum for Telecommunications in Oslo.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink,Creative Economy,Education,Energy,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
URL https://mutablematter.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/practitioner-handbook-v1/
 
Description Public engagement: The method I developed has been used by the Telecommunications Museum in Oslo to discuss radio waves with members of the public. My project blog has been added to a number of blog rolls across fields, including geography, politics, physics and art. Research and Teaching: My publications from this postdoc, especially the article 'Experimental Geographies' have been used in teaching and have been cited in publications on creative geographies.
First Year Of Impact 2010
Sector Creative Economy,Education,Environment,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Cultural
 
Title Mutable Matter 
Description Mutable Matter is a hands-on public engagement method that supports publics in engaging in scientific debate on a more equal level. Props are used to emulate material processes at the scale in question. The props function both as a illustration of processes and as a discussion aid. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2010 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The method has been used at the Telecommunications Museum in Oslo and has been discussed in academic workshops (Copenhagen, Exeter, London) and on social media (e.g. public engagement blogs). While the method was developed during my ESRC funded PhD project, the ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship extended its reach. 
URL https://mutablematter.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/practitioner-handbook-v1/
 
Description Blog discussions 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I started the Mutable Matter Weblog to primarily engage with my research participants and with Open University students (where my PhD was based and from which this postdoc followed). The blog experimented with communicating my research through short essays, making connections to news items, popular culture, art etc. The blog was so successful with audiences and in terms of networking that it is still continuing.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016
URL http://mutablematter.wordpress.com
 
Description Guerrilla Science at Secret Garden Party 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I was invited to participate in a science engagement element of a big music festival near Abbots Ripton. The hands-on session was attended by approximately 20 people, including children, in a tent. It mainly sparked discussions on-site, both with the 'general public' and other science engagement people.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2008
URL https://mutablematter.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/guerrilla-science-workshop/