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Short abstract:

Traditional science communication methods do not seem to reduce the distance between citizens and (knowledge) institutes. In our project, we are experimenting with citizens’ assemblies as a new form of research and science communication to bridge the gap between society and science.

Long abstract:

The sense of urgency surrounding climate change is ever increasing in research and policy domains, yet many citizens feel they have more pressing issues than climate change to contend with. Many feel researchers, policymakers and their institutes are too far removed from their own lived experiences. Traditional research methods and forms of science communication do not seem to reduce the distance between citizens and (knowledge) institutes. In this panel presentation we will share our experiences of organizing citizens’ assemblies to align climate science with citizens’ lived experiences by co-creating a “climate science knowledge agenda” with citizens, scientists and policymakers.

We will first briefly present:

Our theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the climate citizen assemblies; exploring if, how and why citizen assemblies contribute to the democratization of climate science.

Discuss the structure and methodologies used in the citizen assemblies, including methods employed, how to build relations between scientists and citizens; how to maintain the balance between public participation methods and research methods;

Our preliminary findings and themes from the citizen assemblies (including e.g. proposed climate science themes and questions; roles and collaborations between citizens, scientists, policymakers)

Our efforts to ensure social impact, e.g. through cross-sector, multi-stakeholder collaboration.

After the brief presentation, we wish to enter into a stimulating dialogue with other panel members about the enablers, barriers and hopes for outcomes of different forms of science communication and engagement methods for the democratization of climate science.