Towards a Transformation of Participatory Research Approaches: An Innovative Project-Based Pedagogy Training for Sustainable Development

Context and Issues

In a world where environmental and societal challenges are becoming increasingly complex, participatory research is emerging as a key tool for combining scientific rigor with citizen engagement. However, facilitating and designing participatory science projects remains a major challenge. How, then, can we train individuals capable of independently and effectively leading such initiatives? The answer lies in practice-based training, built on project-based pedagogy that combines immersion, experimentation, and co-construction.

A Training Program at the Heart of Participatory Innovation

The "Participatory Science – Step 1" training program perfectly illustrates this innovative approach. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the field, Objectif Sciences International and Step and Go have developed a curriculum offered in two main editions:

Project Design + Facilitation: A comprehensive format that, through in-person hackathons in international cities, enables participants to design and structure a complete project. This interdisciplinary and inclusive approach engages diverse stakeholders (teachers, researchers, policymakers, citizens) to co-create solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Special Facilitation: An intensive residential course focused on scientific mediation and facilitation, providing full immersion in hands-on experimentation.

Concrete and Measurable Benefits

Among the many benefits of this training, key highlights include:

An operational toolbox: Participants gain tested methods (project frameworks, collaborative digital tools, facilitation techniques) that enable them to structure and lead complex projects.
Empowerment of stakeholders: By involving citizens from the design phase, the training fosters a deep understanding of scientific issues and facilitates the essential transfer of skills to empower communities.
Creation of high-impact projects: Initiatives such as environmental monitoring (e.g., bird counting, pollution measurement) and community research on natural resource management demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in driving innovation and social relevance.

Discussion: A Bridge Between Science and Society

This training goes beyond merely imparting technical knowledge; it redefines the researcher’s role by integrating ethical, social, and pedagogical dimensions. By incorporating diverse epistemological perspectives—from empiricism to social constructivism—it paves the way for a transformation of traditional research methods, making them more participatory, transparent, and locally relevant.

Example: In a participatory research project on wildlife conservation, co-construction between scientists and citizens helped identify issues previously overlooked by conventional academic research, demonstrating the complementarity of these approaches.

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

Given the challenges of sustainable development, practice-based training emerges as a strategic tool for transforming participatory research approaches. By promoting the integration of local knowledge, the sharing of expertise, and an immersive pedagogical approach, it equips participants with the necessary skills to lead innovative and socially relevant projects.

By reinventing the connection between science and society, this approach offers a promising response to contemporary demands for transparency, shared responsibility, and sustainable impact.

References

1. Irwin, A. (1995). *Citizen Science: A Study of People, Expertise and Sustainable Development.* Routledge.
2. Bonney, R. et al. (2009). *Citizen Science: A Developing Tool for Expanding Science Knowledge and Scientific Literacy.* BioScience.
3. Link to the "Participatory Science – Step 1" training. Objectif Sciences International & Step and Go (2005-2025). Available at: https://training-for-development.com/-Sciences-Participatives-Step-1-?lang=en