During the GoNano winter school, held from 4 to 7 February at RMIT Europe in Barcelona, postgraduate students and early career researchers from a broad range of disciplines were challenged to step out of their comfort zones and work together to increase their responsiveness to societal needs and values in nanotechnology innovations.
In the space of just four days, the participants were introduced to the key concepts of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and the process of co-creation, and how they can be used to add value to research and innovation activities. Participants learned about practical examples of RRI principles and co-creation activities in industrial settings, and also had the chance to unleash their questions on expert panellists. Besides listening to and learning from our team of experts and educators, the participants worked together in diverse groups throughout the winter school in order to experience the process of co-creation: exploring needs and values of citizens, creating solutions, and sharing knowledge. In the final phases, participants applied their newfound knowledge to their own research topics, having been provided the tools to critically reflect on the purpose of their research, its context, and its wider reaching effects and impact on society.
“I think I will try to take action organising an event using co-creation tools. Also: now I am more conscious about the impact of my research, understanding the roles of the different stakeholders.”
“This is should be included in all research programs as a taught subject through teaching co creation and RRI concept.”
[statements from winter school participants]
The winter school program
Day one
Participants started by pitching their own research projects to each other, highlighting not only the technical aspects but also the social and ethical challenges that their research is addressing. This was a nice exercise to get to know the other participants, but also to get a first glimps of the diverse research topics and social challenges everyone is dealing with. The first day finished with a culinary thinking workshop, where participants were introduced to design thinking and put it straight to good use as they worked together to create their own appetising montaditos.
“It was very interesting to get to know what other researchers study in the nano field. As well as their visions and inputs in the research projects of others.”
[statement from winter school participant]
Days two and three
Four interactive breakout sessions following the GoNano co-creation process: Exploration, Ideation, Prototyping, and Reflection. Participants explored innovative nanotechnology concepts, taking into account the needs and values of citizens as well as their own, and developed ideas for future nanotechnology applications that are designed to be better aligned with these societal needs and values. These interactive sessions were complemented by two panel discussions – one on the methodologies and planning of a co-creation process, and another on stakeholder engagement – and two lectures: an overview of co-creation and introduction to the co-creation roadmap, and standardisation as a practical example of RRI principles and co-creation activities in industrial settings. Each activity was openly received and completed with great energy and enthusiasm, leading towards the final goal of the winter school: enabling participants to create their own personal roadmap to co-create and innovate responsibly.
“Panel discussion: three different perspectives, very interesting and enriching points of view. I loved the fact that we had time to debate a bit about different aspects.”
“All the workshops were highly valuable as it helped me to identify the possible impact of my research and the steps I need to follow to introduce it into industry.”
[statements from winter school participants]
Day four
Participants did a stellar job pitching their co-creation action plans to each other and an expert panel. The winter school ended with a short reflection on participants’ experiences and the presentation of gifts and certificates.
“The co creation action plan was good at framing some of the questions needed for cc workshops. To run a workshop it’s essential to have a vision and to anticipate many of the challenges you might face. Using the templates are good for framing those questions.”
[statement from winter school participant]