Knowledge in Civil Society or KICS is a forum for conversations amongst activists and academics on issues relating to science and democracy. The Objective To bring the activists from diverse sectors in civil society and the academics to engage with the hitherto neglected aspects of science and democracy through a process of dialogue, common exploration and joint work.
To promote a dialogue among its members that could lead to a more people friendly science and technology plan. | The Context Current concerns of civil society groups on the relations of science and society have been dismissed as anti-science even if many of these groups are actively engaged in alternatives that are rooted in a more democratic imagination of science policies. Academics, largely from the broad area of science, technology and society studies, while perhaps better equipped to deal with the complex issues of scientific expertise, governance and the democratic aspirations of people, have in the past focused their attention more on science as understood by the state, or increasingly, the market.
As a forum or space KICS promotes pro-people alternatives and dissenting viewpoints, allows for articulation of non-conventional views and debates that cannot find easy voice elsewhere. It seeks to open up spaces for public policy on issues relating to science and democracy.
| How we do it?
- Started in 2005, KICS carries out these conversations through the following mechanisms.
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An electronic network to connect, share and discuss topics of mutual concern. The forum currently has a main group and a sub-group on agriculture -
A sharing forum where members of KICS or others explore a contemporary issue through an interactive session with a speaker who has been engaged in a particular sector over a period of time. | | | - Joint workshops on contemporary public policy issues that impinge on peoples lives.
- Research studies that are guided by concerns on science and democracy and that would not find an easy home in academic environments given the nature of enquiry and civil society involvement in research design.
- Cross learning workshops on themes such as science and democracy
- General body meetings of the group to review and take further the electronic and other exchanges.
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KICS does not represent any single organisation or individual’s views and is also not a project focused activity. It is managed consensually among members who voluntarily share their time and insights. The forum is currently supported by the Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) that hosts the meetings of KICS and bears the administrative burden of the various activities. It is coordinated from the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. KICS is not a sector specific forum and seeks to promote cross-sectoral perspectives.
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