United Kingdom
May 2, 2013
BBSRC has launched a new toolkit to encourage researchers and the general public to engage in a national conversation about bioenergy. The Bioenergy Dialogue Toolkit provides a range of resources including a 'Democs' bioenergy game, potential future scenarios, and guidelines to help people plan and run dialogue events this summer.
Patrick Middleton, BBSRC's Head of Engagement, said: "BBSRC is running a national project which will enable us to discuss bioenergy with a wider audience. By taking part you can ensure that BBSRC strategy and policy development in bioenergy will be responsive to public opinion and that your views on research are heard."
For researchers
The toolkit is designed to be used by researchers to engage the general public in a dialogue about bioenergy that will help to inform future research. The toolkit offers simple steps and guidance to easily enable researchers to explore public hopes, concerns and aspirations about the future role of bioenergy. It contains practical advice and materials to help set up and run a dialogue event, or events, with public audiences and includes tips on encouraging people to take part, how to find a suitable venue and how to facilitate a discussion.
The feedback from these events is being collected to inform BBSRC strategy and policy development in this area with a report on the feedback expected in October 2013. Researchers should aim to hold their events this summer in order to contribute to the report.
For the general public
While the toolkit is designed for researchers, it includes a game which can be used by anyone. The 'Democs' bioenergy game is part card game, part policy-making tool and enables small groups of around 6-8 people to engage with complex public policy issues. Players get hands of cards and take turns to play. Instead of playing to win, the aim is to learn about and discuss important new issues. Feedback from events held this summer will be used to inform the final bioenergy dialogue report.
To download the resources and a feedback form to input the outcomes of your event, visit: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/society/dialogue/activities/bioenergy-dialogue/take-part.aspx.
To find out more about the bioenergy dialogue visit: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/bioenergydialogue.
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