Funding news:
Otago
The Otago Participatory Science Platform (PSP) funding round for 2019 is now open
Applicants can request up to $20,000. All applications are due by noon, Thurs 7 March 2019 .
Visit the Otago PSP website to find out more
View the application process >>
What is the Participatory Science Platform?
All New Zealanders should feel encouraged and equipped to deal with the challenges and opportunities presented by science and technology, and be capable of participating in the debates involving science. We also need an environment that helps New Zealanders to use our natural curiosity to interrogate, decide on and make the most of new developments and technologies.
The Participatory Science Platform (PSP) is a world-first initiative that aims to engage communities of all kinds in research projects that are locally relevant and have robust science/technology outputs with quality learning outcomes.
It brings together the three key action areas outlined in the plan A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hiriri I Te Mahara .
Our Actions
What we're doing towards our ten-year goal for enabling better connectivity and engagement between science, technology and society.
Going beyond citizen science
Participatory science is a method of undertaking scientific research where volunteers can be meaningfully involved in the development and progression of locally relevant research projects with science and technology professionals. It goes beyond the idea of scientistsscientists’ crowd-sourcing their data - buildingdata, and builds a true partnership between the scientists or technologists and the broader community.
The PSP builds on the popularity of citizen science, but re-balances the lay person/scientist relationship through a highly collaborative approach. Through the PSP, we fund projects that:
- are collaborative research projects that have scientific or technological value, pedagogical rigour (quality teaching and learning) and resonate with the community;
- engage students, kura, schools, businesses, Māori collectives and organisations, and community-based organisations with science and technology professionals;
- offer researchers opportunities to become involved in locally relevant lines of enquiry, where high-quality scientific or technological outputs can be created through harnessing the local knowledge and contribution of citizens;
- offer inspiring and relevant learning and development opportunities for science and technology teachers and students; and
- engage learners and participants beyond the school/kura community to reach parents, whānau and wider communities.
Projects: Participatory Science Platform
See the different kinds of collaborative community research projects that have been funded through the Participatory Science Platform.
Find projects supported by the Participatory Science Platform