Webinar - from Open and Citizen Science to Activism: Roles for Academic Staff, 7 July

Date: Thurs 7 July 2022

Time: 13:30-15:00 CEST (12:30-14:00 BST)

In the context of climate change and biodiversity loss, science communication and advocacy by academic and research staff may not be sufficient to serve change in these emergency conditions.

The Erasmus+ INOS project organizes a webinar on forms of social action undertaken by contemporary academic staff that can help change patterns of social and environmental injustice in collaboration with citizen communities. In particular, this webinar aims to question the roles of contemporary researchers in action taking and in the translation of their scholarly findings into real social action. Through this event, they are also going to present the Scientist Rebellion initiative and its achievements so far, while evaluating the role of civil disobedience and “non-violent” action as effective means to engage people in climate action.

The core statement of the event is “Science is not enough, Time for activism” (by Julia Steinberger), as a motto that raises both the struggle citizen communities and academic staff face when trying to translate their research and knowledge into demonstrable change.

Speakers of the webinar

The webinar will host a panel of speakers coming from a wider spectrum of the academic, and scientific community. Specifically:

  *   Katerina Zourou will open the floor with thought-provoking questions on civil disobedience, “non-violent” action and how the notion of “emergency status” can foster change in the academic world.

  *   The movement of Scientist Rebellion will be represented by two active members, Gianluca Grimalda (Kiel Institute for the World Economy) and Laura Horn (Roskilde University). Gianluca and Laura will discuss what it means to be an academic activist and the implications for academic identities.

  *   Luigi Ceccaroni (Earthwatch) and Jaume Piera(Institute of Marine studies/CSIC) will connect social action to citizen science and the value of open science in activism.

Who is it for?

The webinar is open to anyone who is interested in getting a better understanding of how academia can lead and foster social action triggered by pressing social issues, like climate change and environmental challenges. Moreover, the webinar is designed so as to generate meaningful knowledge exchange among speakers and participants. You don’t have to be an expert in the field or an experienced researcher in order to follow our event. Everyone is welcome to join!