The overall objective is to increase the social relevance of scientific research through the promotion of public participation in European research activities. It is hoped that both the project process and its outcomes can be used to encourage dialogue and constructive engagement between civil society organisations and scientific research institutions. To this end PSx2 will establish a platform of ongoing exchange and collaboration between scientists and CSOs throughout the entire project and beyond.

The following specific objectives will be addressed at the various stages of the project:

1. To discuss how we can reach a shared definition of “participation in science” among the partners in order to clearly define the focus of our investigation. To achieve this goal, the first project meeting has been dedicated to discussing whether it is possible to reach such a definition of ‘participation’. This includes the conditions and constraints that define its applicability and how it is actually intended by both CSOs and scientific partners.

2. To conduct a qualitative study on the role of European CSOs’ activities in enhancing public participation in science and research in the field of biotechnological research and governance, with a focus on agricultural biotechnology. The study will be based on data collected through an ad-hoc interview survey that will be conducted with a wide sample of CSOs in the countries where our partners operate. It is expected to get about 100 interviews completed in order to have sufficient data for analysis.

3. To identify a sample of the most effective or ‘Best Practices’ in enhancing public participation in science and research. The sample will arise from the information on the CSOs activities gathered through the interviews. The identified best practices will inform the search for an emergent definition of ‘participation in science’ and must represent success stories or propose innovative approaches. A number of additional in-depth semi-structured interviews will be conducted to provide the basis for analysis of the most effective participatory practices. The measure of the achievement of this goal will be a detailed description of 5-7 identified good practices covering different aspects of the issue under analysis that will then provide the basis for putting together guidance, or a ‘Manual’ of effective practices for a ‘Participatory Science and Scientific Participation’.

4. To produce guidance, or a ‘Manual of Effective Practices for a Participatory Science’. The Manual will result from an intensive peer review activity, involving scientific partners and other identified practitioners, both from the network and outside it. This peer review process constitutes a crucial aspect of our ongoing operative dialogue. The Manual is seen to be a tool to disseminate – both inside and outside the network – ideas and practices that might increase dialogue between science and society.

5. To disseminate the results of the analysis within the project network and to a broader range of stakeholders (other CSOs, scientific institutions, national and local authorities, etc.). This goal will be achieved by mean of two main actions: the organization of national conferences to present the general achievements of the project and to explore the potential room for manoeuvre for CSOs in the scientific and regulatory context; the delivery of the Manual to all the CSOs involved in the survey and to any other actor identified throughout the project.