TRAINING (2.5.1)

Science contributes to societal development through various functions. This web portal shows which roles researchers can play in such functions and offers approaches for reflecting on roles.

Image: Manu Friedrich

Model 4

After J. Wittmayer and N. Schäpfke1

This model lists activities that researchers can engage in, along with the corresponding roles they take, to address four key issues (ownership, sustainability, power, action) they are likely to encounter when creating and holding spaces of social learning and action for sustainability transitions.

Role of scientist

What does the scientist do in this role?

What key issues need to be addressed in this role?

Reflective scientist

Analyses dynamics and actors

Provides knowledge on the basis of analysis

Analyses outcomes

Observes, reflects on, and analyses actions

Ownership

Sustainability

Power

Action

Self-reflexive scientist

Engages in (self)-reflexive practice with regard to own normative orientation

Engages in self-reflexive practice with regard to internal and external power dynamics

Sustainability

Power

Knowledge broker

Supports in making sustainability meaningful in the given context

Provides space for critical reflection

Mediates between different perspectives

Sustainability

Power

Process facilitator

Initiates process

Selects participants

Facilitates process

Facilitates learning process

Encourages expression of all viewpoints

Facilitates process and experiments

Ownership

Power

Action

Change agent

Motivates participants

Empowers participants to lead/own the process

Initiates and participates in a learning journey based on sustainability values

Networks with stakeholders outside the group

Participates in process and experiments

Supports policy formulation

Ownership

Sustainability

Power

Action