The Participatory Science Platform is a programme designed to integrate three key action areas in the National Strategic Plan for Science in Society, ‘A Nation of Curious Minds - He Whenua Hiriri I Te Mahara’ by engaging young people, communities and scientists in collaborative science projects.
What is it?
The Participatory Science Platform encourages communities and scientists to work together on collaborative research projects.
These projects will not only have scientific value, but will also be relevant to local concerns and provide excellent teaching and learning opportunities for those who get involved.
The objective of the platform is to engage local people and organisations such as kura, schools, businesses, iwi, and community groups, together with scientists, in research that has value for the community.
It offers researchers opportunities to harness local knowledge and take advantage of willing helpers to produce high-quality and highly relevant science.
Pilot regions
The Participatory Science Platform is being piloted in South Auckland, Taranaki and Otago.
The objective of the pilots is to test the platform concept in three different local environments to inform future decisions about the programme. The pilots will be evaluated once they come to an end in February 2016.
How do I get involved?
I have an idea for a project...
Funding proposals are sought for projects that involve both community groups and scientists in research that is relevant to the local community, harnessing local knowledge and providing learning experiences for participants while producing robust scientific outcomes.
Proposals for grants of up to $20,000 will be accepted from science-based organisations or community groups, businesses, schools or Māori collectives. If you’d like to submit a proposal, contact the pilot area lead in your region for further information. Contact details are listed below.
I want to help out on a project...
Projects should be up and running in the next few months. Contact the pilot area lead in your region or check back here for updates.
Pilot area leads
The Participatory Science Platform will be led by a different organisation in each area. These ‘pilot area leads’ are responsible for running the pilot programme in their respective regions, including supporting the development of, and allocating funding for local research projects.
South Auckland: COMET AUCKLAND
COMET Auckland (Community Education Trust Auckland) is a council controlled organisation of Auckland Council and an independent charitable Trust. Its role is to advance education in Auckland by supporting education and skills across the region. COMET Auckland hosts the Auckland STEM Alliance which will lead the platform pilot in South Auckland. The Auckland STEM Alliance brings together businesses, educators and government.
Get involved in South Auckland – contact:
Sarah Morgan
E Sarah.Morgan@cometauckland.org.nz
www.cometauckland.org.nz
Taranaki: VENTURE TARANAKI TRUST
Venture Taranaki Trust is the regional development agency for Taranaki. Its role is to boost the Taranaki economy through regional business and economic development. The Taranaki Regional Council will partner with Venture Taranaki Trust to lead the platform pilot in Taranaki.
Get involved in Taranaki – contact:
Lucy Graydon
E lucy@venture.org.nz
www.taranaki.info
Otago: OTAGO MUSEUM TRUST BOARD
The Otago Museum Trust Board is the governing body for the Otago Museum. It is supported by a partnership of organisations from the Otago region, which will lead the platform pilot in Otago. The partnership is known as the Participatory Science Platform Partnership and includes Ngai Tahu, the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, the New Zealand International Science Festival and Dunedin City Council.
Get involved in Otago – contact:
Craig Grant
E Craig.Grant@otagomuseum.nz
www.scienceintoaction.nz
More information
Read more about the Participatory Science Platform factsheet [PDF 367KB].
Conact for general information:
Dr Victoria Metcalf, National Coordinator for the Partcipatory Science Platform
Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor
Ph 027 809 4028
E victoria.metcalf@pmcsa.org.nz