The 2009 conference is hosted by The Science Shop, Queen's University Belfast

Community Based Research Equals Knowledge Transfer? - Enterprises and institutions are also part of the community -

The science shops at Utrecht University were among the first to be established. Now, however, as a result of changes in society the aims and organization of these shops are also changing.  This trend is apparent within other Dutch universities. In some of these universities science shops have disappeared altogether.  It remains to be seen whether this will also happen in other countries.

At Utrecht University the scene with regard to community based research and science shops has changed quite radically over the past few years.  Although the history of the science shops at our university dates back almost 40 years, emphasis on community based research has declined in favour of a more broadly defined ‘knowledge transfer’. This means that science shops not only perform research in cooperation with civil society organizations, but increasingly with enterprises and local government organizations. This trend seems to be unavoidable and even quite profitable.

Advantages and pitfalls of dealing with these clients will be the subjects of this workshop.   Advantages include efficiency in information management, financial aspects, broadening networks and enabling joint ventures (also between civil society organizations and companies).   Among the pitfalls are dealing with publicity, intellectual property ownership and the balance between projects for professional and civil society clients.

During this workshop we would like to share our findings and invite the participants to share their opinions.

Theme: Knowledge exchange, transfer or exploitation?

Presenters Name: Dr. Victor Winter and Jasper van Winden MSc

Presenters Institution: Utrecht University

Presenters Biography:

Dr. Victor Winter has a PhD in molecular biology and, since January 2008, has been involved in coordinating the Science Shop in the Science Faculty of Utrecht University.   Before that he was involved in educational affairs within the Utrecht School of Applied Science, and several master’s programs.

Jasper van Winden, MSc, graduated in ecology and works as a project coordinator for the Science Shop in the Science Faculty of Utrecht University.  Before this he was involved in science communication within the Science Faculty.