Collaboration with the society in scientific projects. Short overview.

This report explores several dimensions of science-society collaboration in research projects. Starting with a review of the existing literature, it examines key concepts such as participation, inclusive research and public engagement, showing the diversity of understandings of what collaboration might mean. It concludes that one of the most important steps in successful collaboration is the early definition of its goals and the actors involved.  

The report also provides an overview of participatory approaches, methods and techniques such as citizen science, living labs, ethnography and creative workshops. It is important to note that while in the wider field of scientific projects the idea of working with society is not yet a well-established concept, in the field of cultural and social anthropology the idea of involving participants in the research process has a long tradition.  

Furthermore, it draws on the experiences of the EmCliC research project to show how collaboration might look in real life. Combining the findings from the EmCliC project and the available literature, the report also summarises the essential conditions for success and the most common barriers to collaboration. 

To cite: Bieńkowska, Zofia (2025) Collaboration with the society in scientific projects. Short overview. https://zenodo.org/records/15281920