Lessons Learned for Science Café Methodology

• Raise the attractiveness of science studies by illustrating the application of science in societal issues such as responsible shipbuilding and harbours;
• Encourage researchers to voice their opinions on marine issues in the media focusing on economic, environmental and social needs to enable the uptake of new technologies;
• Focus on environmental aspects through a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure stability and availability of resources;
• Improve marine education provided in medium and higher education;
• Adjust legislation to allow open access to marine-related research;
• Embed governance in legislation through accountability to ensure the sustainability of marine sectors;
• Provide tax reductions or other benefits to businesses for massively applying marine protection legislature and procedures and for making use of innovative marine technologies;
• Define a clear triggering question highlighting the issue and goal to be addressed at the workshop;
• The reversed science cafe method motivates participants to express their opinions and views in a structured, inclusive, yet open manner;
• Participatory workshops provide good opportunities for better discovering developments and problems of the studied industry;
• Involve the private sector, policymakers, the scientific community and the local and national community for the definition of ideas, needs and solutions;
• Raise awareness through education for developing/supporting new technologies for responsible maritime transport;
• Make marine issues visible and understandable to the public;
• Governance should strive for active engagement of the key public and private stakeholder bodies for the development and impact of maritime transportation;
• Enable workshops participants to create networks and communities of interest to further research and identify solutions for the studied issue;
• Be aware that only about half of the participants are likely to use the knowledge gained at the workshop;
• Push participants to move beyond exchanging ideas and to start co-creating a vision;
• Engage participants via emails and phone calls, since it has been proven as the most effective means of recruitment;
• Be aware that it is challenging to persuade people to participate in workshops.

See also...

Workshop Methodology