Research agendas for health and biomedical research are usually determined by the priorities of researchers, academia and sponsors. But do these agendas really match the demands in society and the needs of the users of the research results? These users - patients, taxpaying citizens, but also caregivers, health professionals, governmental reimbursement agencies, private insurers - are seldom involved in setting research agendas. Thus, the specific knowledge and expertise of these groups is undervalued and underused.

Excellent and responsible research characterized by both social and practical relevance

Is Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) only a freaky idea, born in Brussels, and made for researchers who have loads of time to spend? Or more serious: Are we successful at involving different stakeholders in the debate on emerging technologies? How and at what stage of the research process should they be involved? These questions are a core part of the European challenge of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).

Photo: MIWF/Reiner Zensen

As if to answer them, end of February North-Rhine Westphalia’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Research, Ms Svenja Schulze, has awarded four excellent...

Thinking of starting a project to enhance the relationship between university and society? Worried about societal needs that require expert input?  Are you interested in Science Shops as a model for knowledge exchange? The Living Knowledge toolbox for Science Shops provides information on how to build strong and meaningful partnerships between community-based and university-based researchers.

Students of Queen's University Belfast talk about Science Shops

The toolbox brings together valuable resources in the shape of frequently asked questions, training materials, handbooks and practical...