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

Possible contributions of a science shop to fostering sustainable development taking urban canal banks as an example

Urban canals and canalized rivers are hugely important for the German capital, Berlin, in terms of ecology and local climate; recreation and history; and transport and tourism.  The canal banks and their vegetation are an important theme within the public debate on sustainable city development.  Since 1998 CSOs are interested in local initiatives and nature conservation associations are struggling with the administration in charge.  Starting with logging of trees along the banks, NGOs proposed the deployment of a scientific approach to the development, care and maintenance of these water bodies and their surroundings.  

The Science Shop, kubus, became involved at the request of CSOs.  Some workshops and scientific studies were carried out and communicated on behalf of kubus.  Our intermediary was coordinating these activities, but did not execute any research work.  All these measures are intended to generate and transfer knowledge to foster practical experience.

At least some stages of the process are well documented.  In spite of the diverse activities of different actors (citizens, students, researchers, public officers…), there is no sustained effort to achieve consensus.  Some advantages and disadvantages are obvious, but seemingly there are other important factors still hidden from the public.  Therefore, this is not an example of best practice, but a matter for discussion.

We are interested in questions such as:

How can we explore and handle the different approaches of the actors?

How can we motivate researchers and students to collaborate within projects based on a transdisciplinary approach?

Is there a real opportunity to stabilize this process on an appropriate level or are the ups and downs just an unavoidable characteristic of projects connected with social struggle?

Are science shops appropriate structures to deal with complex matters such as sustainable development?

Theme:  Science shops, sustainable development and climate change

Presenters Name:  Dr. Wolfgang Endler

Presenters Institution:   Science Shop kubus, Technische Universität Berlin

 (Kooperations- und Beratungsstelle für Umweltfragen /Cooperation and Consulting for Environmental Questions)

Presenters Biography: 

Dr. Wolfgang Endler was born in 1946 and holds a doctorate in biology.   He is a skilled orthopaedic mechanic.  He has worked in the field of electron microscopy, on various environmental problems and in an interdisciplinary project on forest decline.  Since 1990 he has worked with kubus.   His main areas of interest are sustainable development, nature conservation, co-operation and support of NGOs and communal institutions.