About
Location: University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
Date: 16-20 January 2017
Organisers: SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit, INGENIO, and Eu-SPRI - European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation
Organising Committee: Professor Johan Schot (course director), Professor Ed Steinmueller, Professor Andy Stirling, Dr Paula Kivimaa, Dr Ismael Rafols, Mr Jonas Torrens
Maximum Participants: 30
The Science Policy Research Unit is proud to announce that together with the European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation, Eu-SPRI Forum, it is piloting a new series of Winter and Summer schools. This series aims to provide state-of-the-art training in the study of science and innovation policy and supporting disciplines, catering for early career scholars and professionals at different stages of their careers. It concentrates on current research and debates, with emphasis on policy and pressing societal challenges. SPRU will host the first session of this series on the theme of Transformative Change.
The combined hues of environmental degradation, climate change, rising inequalities, democratic deficit, a protracted economic crisis, and the displacement of large populations by war and strife, paint a complex picture that is evocative of crisis and urgency. Governments, multilateral organisations, businesses and civil society have been engaged in composing new global agendas for facing these challenges, as it is evident in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, in the efforts of the International Panel on Climate Change, Future Earth and International Panel on Social Progress, as well as in many bottom-up grassroots and inclusive innovation activities.
These engagements, agendas and research programmes signal a need to reframe Science, Technology and Innovation policies, around the overarching notion of ‘transformative change’, with changes in its objectives, scope of action, scales and pace. This emerging frame taps into ongoing debates in research, policy and practice, and places greater emphasis on systemic responses, and renewed notions of social progress and democracy.
This winter school seeks to familiarise participants with state-of-the-art debates about the ‘transformative change’ frame of STI policy and its associated practices. Through seminars and discussions, the school participants will explore its conceptual underpinnings and its connections and departures from conventional STI policy. Sessions will also discuss concrete examples of efforts to promote such transformations.
Three guiding questions will be addressed:
• How may contrasting understandings of transformative change be brought to bear on policy responses to pressing contemporary challenges?
• How to ensure such responses are inclusive and democratic?
• How to advance such responses through transdisciplinary approaches and alliances?
Fees
Accommodation is provided by SPRU, but all participants should make their travel arrangements independently. Participants from Eu-SPRI member organisations, have fee waivers covering the course, accommodation, and catering costs. Participants from other institutions are subject to a 500€ fee to cover the course, accommodation, and catering costs.
Target audience and selection
The school will target early career researchers and professionals whose track-records demonstrate a commitment to the promotion of transformative change in its different guises, and who will benefit from the training offered. The committee will consider applications from PhD candidates who are past their 1st year; early career researchers; and innovation policy professionals from public agencies, research institutes and consultancies, and experienced social entrepreneurs. Considering that a balanced and diverse group would foster a better learning environment, the committee will take diversity into account when selecting participants. The dimensions of gender, nationality and professional background will be considered.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a PDF document consisting of:
• A motivation letter (1 page, 500 words)
• A brief CV (2 pages)
• A recommendation letter (300 words)
Applicants are requested to use the Europass template. Applications will be evaluated on three criteria:
• Demonstrable research/professional and personal commitment with transformative change (motivation letter and CV)
• Likelihood that the participant will benefit from the training (motivation letter)
• Track-record (CV and recommendation letter)
Applications should be sent before the 5th November, 17:00, to j.torrens@sussex.ac.uk.
More information
For more information regarding this winter school, please contact j.torrens@sussex.ac.uk
For information regarding the Eu-SPRI Winter School in general, please contact the secretariat: info@euspri-forum.eu
For more official information click "Further official information" below.
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