A Successful Experiment in Participatory Science for Promoting Change in a French Industrial Region

Barbara L. Allen

doi:10.17351/ests2017.180

A Successful Experiment in Participatory Science for Promoting Change in a French Industrial Region

Barbara L. Allen Virginia Tech-National Capital Region

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17351/ests2017.180

Keywords: participatory science, participatory epidemiology, environmental health controversies, knowledge justice

Abstract

The author and her team worked with the residents in an industrial area in France to produce a participatory epidemiological study about their health. The final report, drafted with input from the citizens, attracted the national press and the interest of many other polluted communities. The survey is currently being used to promote environmental change by the residents, their elected officials, and local doctors. This reinforces the author’s claim that rigorously designed participatory science can further citizen environmental initiatives and provide them policy-leverage.

Author Biography

Barbara L. Allen, Virginia Tech-National Capital Region

Barbara L. Allen is a professor in the Department of Science, Technology and Society at Virginia Tech, National Capital Region. As a sociologist of scientific knowledge, she researches participatory environmental sciences and their intersection with issues of social justice.

Published

11 Aug 2017

Issue

Vol. 3 (2017)

Section

Critical Engagements

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