Participatory science and research, new guidance from the Ethics in Common Committee

Just out 5 August 2025
The Ethics in Common Committee has published new guidance, on participatory science and research. The text sheds light on the ethical issues of such knowledge co-construction approaches, in line with the research in partnership done by ºÚÁÏÍø911, IFREMER, INRAE and IRD.
© R. Belmin, Cirad
© R. Belmin, Cirad

© R. Belmin, Cirad

The  published by the Ethics in Common Committee, on participatory science and research and the need to rethink relations between knowledge, players and territories, looks at the specificities of such collaborative practices, which bring together citizens, local communities, associations, decision-makers and scientists to look at issues that are often anchored in complex territorial contexts.

Recognition of plural knowledge

The new guidance highlight the wealth of knowledge produced jointly, but also the tensions that may emerge in such spaces for dialogue between academic science and common knowledge. It stresses that doing science together is never a neutral undertaking, and requires a framework for debate, dialogue and shared action. It calls for increased ethical vigilance, founded on co-construction, transparency, and respect for the commitments of every party.

A tool for working together better

For ºÚÁÏÍø911, whose remit hinges on targeted research for sustainable development in the global South, this guidance will fuel a vital debate. Participatory approaches are central to large number of projects with our partners. They mean taking a fresh look at how we produce knowledge, our position as scientists and our responsibilities to civil society.

The new guidance (no. 17) is available on line (in French) on the Ethics in Common Committee website. It is intended for scientists, practicians, institutional partners and civil society members involved in knowledge co-construction operations.

👉  (in French)